How can it still fly?

[Jack Harrison]

How can it still fly?

Well, it was a little reluctant but that was probably more due to the cold than its truncated wings.

But it raises the point. Butterfly wings seem unnecessarily large if primarily for flight. Of course they act as solar panels, display devices, etc

Jack

[Padfield]

True, butterfly wings have evolved to be more than mere flight mechanisms. But even considering only flying, there is also the question of efficiency. Peacocks are long-lived, single-brooded butterflies. The ability to save energy by swooping and gliding may increase their overall longevity and success. I bet your butterfly looked pretty flappy when she did get off the ground and would have used more joules per metre than an intact insect. Monarchs, the most famous migrant butterfly, are magnificently efficient in the air, doubtless in part due to their huge wings.

Guy

[alex mclennan]

We are all used to seeing butterflies with damaged wings but this picture taken yesterday shows damage of a different kind. How much of a handicap would loss of an antenna be?
Alex

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