Welcome to Philanthrolab Science Shop Toys $10 or less! Click here to see the Science Toys!

Insect Invasion: Butterflies & Moths

 All photos are courtesy of Stacey Diaz.

Lepidoptera (lepidoptera/ LEP-I-DOP-tar-a, from Ancient Greek lepis "scale" + pterón "wing") is an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). There are about 180,000 species of Lepidoptera. Mostly in the tropics, none in polar regions. Temperatures need to be at least 55°F for flight!



Butterflies and moths play an important role in the natural ecosystem as pollinators and as food in the food chain. A food chain passes energy from one living thing to another living thing. 


The wings are covered in scales arranged like shingles; which form an extraordinary variety of colors and patterns & allow for stability. Handling butterflies and moths need to do so carefully as we could rub off the scales from the thin membrane wing.

They have a complete metamorphosis life cycle. Going through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

When they hatch from the egg the larva stage is called a caterpillar. This is a unique name to the lepidopteras as no other insects larva is called this. As they grow the larvae change in appearance, going through а series of stages called instars once fully matured the larva develops into a pupa.

A butterfly pupa, called a chrysalis has
a hard skin usually with no cocoon. Once the pupa has completed its metamorphosis an adult emerges. Some live a very short time, so they must find a mate to lay their eggs as quickly as possible.

Butterflies are diurnal, meaning they fly during the day, unlike many other moths which are nocturnal. They all are cold blooded, meaning they cannot regulate their own body temperature. Many species warm up for flight by sitting in a warm spot or basking in the sun.

Another difference between butterflies and moths is the shapes of their antennas. The antennae of butterflies are usually shaped like clubs, those of the skippers are hooked, while those of moths have enlarged or branched antenna.

Lepidoptera also have olfactory organs on their feet, which aid the butterfly in "tasting". "Smelling" out its food is however with its antennas. 

Thank you for reading this Science Lesson Blog written by certified educator of Philanthrolab Science Shop Ms. Stacey The Science Lady. With over 12 years of teaching experience and creative Science curriculum development, her mission is to inspire children to have a love of Science. She is the owner of Philanthrolab Science Shop. An online shop of 50+ Fun & Affordable Science Toys - ALL $10 or LESS! Featuring The At Home Play Pak, Satchel of Science, and The DIY Sci Kit 

There is a Free Infographic at the bottom of the page with all the facts above! 

Get more concept content on the Social Media platforms.
Watch the two replays on Instagram or Facebook to listen to the read aloud The Very Hungry Caterpillar by author Eric Carle and learn about the above facts and craft using sticky notes and a sheet of cardstock to make scales on a butterfly!
 

Livestreams will return in 2021 with new science inspirations! Until then get access on Facebook and Instagram all prerecorded Livestreams of 2020. Lesson blogs are available on the website. 
Philanthrolab Science Shop is your go to for Affordable Birthday Gifts, Treasure Box Rewards, Educational Resources, Vendor Events, Fundraisers, and Virtual Classes!
·
·
·
Receive a Shipped Toy with every Virtual Class Drop-In or Class Package! REGISTER TODAY!  
·
·
·
There are two upcoming times available:
Tuesdays at 11:00 AM or 3:00 PM EST 
Classes are approximately 30 minutes on Zoom. Great for ages 4-10 years old. Zoom meeting ID will be sent by email that is provided at checkout.
 With your choice virtual class each are paired with a shipment with a Science Toy to extend your child's curiosity, exploration, and endless imaginative play; reinforcing the content of every class!

Last Call!❄🌈💎🌊🐳 5 for $49: Get next 5 Virtual Classes and all toys included! $6.95 Shipping. Local Delivery Available. 

Tuesdays Sept 29 to Oct 27 3:00PM Only

Classes include: Snow Science, Rainbow of Colors, Geology Rocks, Liquid Science, and Deep Sea Diver

First Child $99, Additional Child $69. Get 9 Virtual Classes and all toys included! $6.95 Shipping. Local Delivery Available. Tuesdays Oct 6th to December 1st 11:00AM Only

Classes include: Static Science, Balance This, Physics of Toys, Skeleton and Skin, In a Cloud, Fun with Fossils, Sun in the Sky, Bouncy Ball Gravity, Magnet Mania

PHILANTHROPY for the POLLINATORS!

Now through September 30th, 2020, 20% of all Toy Sales will be donated to the NAPPC + $2 for every dropin Virtual Science Experience Class.

Support this small business, so Philanthrolab Science Shop can support BIG! Thanks for stopping by!

For access to all content, resources, and shop visit, www.linktr.ee/philanthrolab

Here is the free infographic with the above facts! 🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋

#livestreamblog

#scienceforkids

#sciencetoys

#sciencecrafts

#athomeplaypak

#flyingbutterfly

#moths

#butterflies

#insects

#lepidoptera

#inspireoneyoungmindatatime

#philanthrolabscienceshop