LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Butterflies: Species
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Butterflies comprise the true butterflies (superfamily Papilionoidea), the skippers (Superfamily Hesperioidea) and the moth-butterflies (Superfamily Hedyloidea). Butterflies exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Some are known to migrate over large distances. Some butterflies have evolved symbiotic and parasitic relationships with social insects such as ants. Butterflies are important economically as one of the major agents of pollination. In addition, a number of species are pests, because they can damage domestic crops and trees.
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Butterflies and moths are native to almost every part of the globe except Antarctica and the oceans. Different biomes, such as forests, grasslands, deserts, and alpine highlands, each support distinctive arrays of butterfly and moth species. Like many groups of animals, lepidopterans reach their greatest diversity in the tropics. More than 6,000 species of butterflies make their home in Peru, a largely tropical nation in South America with a variety of habitats from rain forest to mountain summits, while only 6 types of butterflies live in Greenland’s high arctic environment.
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Butterflies sense the air for scents, wind and nectar using their antennae. The antennae come in various shapes and colours. The hesperids have a pointed angle or hook to the antennae, while most other families show knobbed antennae. The antennae are richly covered with sensillae. A butterfly's sense of taste is coordinated by chemoreceptors on the tarsi, which work only on contact, and are used to determine whether an egg-laying insect's offspring will be able to feed on a leaf before eggs are laid on it[26]. Many butterflies use chemical signals, pheromones, and specialized scent scales (androconia) and other structures (coremata or 'Hair pencils' in the Danaidae) are developed in some species.
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The Butterflies in FieldGuides are divided into the type categories shown here. These types are based on shared characteristics or relationships, and the silhouette illustration shows a representative species from each type. Select one to see North American species of that type.
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Butterflies have been shown to navigate using time compensated sun compasses. They can see polarized light and therefore orient even in cloudy conditions. The polarized light in the region close to the ultraviolet spectrum is suggested to be particular important.[37]
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Releasing live butterflies at weddings may seem to be the most popular butterfly event, but there are many other occasions that fit very well with releasing live butterflies. Graduation celebrations are an excellent time for butterfly release. Graduations, like butterflies, are very symbolic of maturity, accomplishment, and a new found freedom in life. Having a special anniversary? Many people want something unique when celebrating a 25th or 50th wedding anniversary. Just add live butterflies and you will have a celebration that won't soon be forgotten.
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