CD-ROM The World of Butterflies. Containing 94 pictures and text

CD158. The World of Butterflies. Butterflies (Lepidoptera) constitute, after beetles, hymenopterans and dipterans, the fourth largest insect group, with over 100,000 species. The most conspicuous group is that of the butterflies, which includes the swallow-tailed, white, mottled, blue and large-headed butterfly families. The large wings are covered by iridescent chitin scales that often create bright, beautiful patterns. The mouthparts form a sucking trunk that enables the insect to draw flower nectar and other fluid nourishment. Both the occurrence and variety of existing species has decreased markedly in the past 50 years. Among the main reasons are the elimination of many plants that man considers weeds but are a source of nourishment for butterflies, together with the widespread use of insecticides in forestry and agriculture. Insecticides are supposed to target only „damaging“ insects, but butterflies are killed along as well. The technologizing and intensification of agriculture and the general burdening of the environment with poisons contribute to the disappearance of our butterfly populations. This CD shows the variety of butterflies still with us, which could be preserved through appropriate protection measures.