What are these butterflies doing, and why do they live so long?
These are Zebra Longwing butterflies, the official Florida State Butterfly. These butterflies roost in groups at night, and will return to the same spot each night. I took this photo on a trail in West Palm Beach, Florida. I was walking at night, listening to Screech Owls calling, when I bumped a branch and all of the "leaves" began flying around me. The next night, I returned and photographed them.
Zebra Longwings drink nectar like other butterflies, but they also eat pollen. No other butterflies are known to do that. The pollen is a source of protein, and is thought to give them much longer lives. While most butterflies live about a month, Zebra Longwings can live up to six months. If they are fed only nectar, they live about a month, the same as other butterflies.
For Mrs. Webber's class:
Yes, these are photographs that I take. I enjoy nature photography and take LOTS of photos.
The stripes on the wings do help with camouflage. Notice how the wing patterns are similar to the patterns of the branch.
from peeson mr. krampf i
from peeson
mr. krampf i think science isn't cool
Hi Peeson
Sorry to hear that. I think science is incredibly cool. My job in science lets me dig dinosaur bones, explore caves, experiment with million volt sparks, photograph strange animals, and many other exciting things. It makes the world a much more interesting place, because there is science in EVERYTHING, from sports to cooking. The best chefs, the best golfers, the best race drivers, and the best at most other jobs usually have a good understanding of the science behind their work.
my guess
dear Mr.Kramph
What a wonderful picture! Well,I think they might be laying eggs. I could be wrong though. I don't have a clue how they live so long. Why do they have stripes on there wings? I wonder. Well that's all for now.
Your biggest fan,
Ashlyn
Carina from Mrs.Webber's Class
I wanted to ask you a short question does the tree that the butterflies are on have nectar for them to eat?
Carina from Miss Webber's 4th grade
class
Mrs. Webber's class guess
Dear Mr. Krampf,
We think that they may be either drying their wings, protecting or laying eggs, or camoflauging themselves. The reason why these butterflies live so long is because they can blend in with the environment so well.
If the stripes are not for camoflauge, what is the significance?
Do these butterflies migrate or travel a lot?
Do you take these pictures yourself or do find them someplace else?
Thanks for taking these awesome pictures and helping us learn more about animals and our environment. You're a terrific scientist!
Your fans,
Mrs. Webber's 4th grade class
Gilchrist Elementary in Tallahassee, FL
hello
hello
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