butterfly camouflage/lifespan question from student

[Sheri Moreau]

Dear Listers, 

I received the below question from a student. I answered her with the
bottom paragraph, and my "canned" message for students about where to find
butterfly/moth information on the Internet. But, because this is a somewhat
unusual question, if anyone has any specific thoughts or resources on
camouflage extending lifespan, could you please send the info to Megan (and
me--I'm curious too!!). 

TIA!! Sheri
<sheri at butterflywings.com>

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Megan <Brixsix at aol.com> wrote:

>Hi. My name is Megan Brick. i am Doing a research report on butterfly. If you
>can send me some info about the butterfly. i need info about how well
>differenet types of butterflies live the longest due to camoflage. If you
>could please send me some info, i would really apprecate it.  Thank you.
Email Megan directly at <Brixsix at aol.com>

Sheri wrote back: 

Megan, I don't have any specific info about how long butterflies live DUE
TO CAMOUFLAGE.  Most adult butterflies only live 2-5 weeks. Exceptions are
certain Heliconiads (longwing passion vine butterflies) which eat pollen in
addition to nectar, and Mourning Cloaks, which eat tree sap and rotting
fruit in addition to nectar. It is believed by some scientists that the
extra nutritients these butterflies ingest help to extend their lifespans.
Butterflies which overwinter as adults (Monarchs, Painted Ladies, Mourning
Cloaks, and many other species) live longer lives because they go into a
state of reduced metabolism known as "diapause."  Essentially, all
butterflies and moths use camouflage to some degree when they are at rest:
either through the patterns on their wings in the "at rest" position,
and/or by choosing a safe and hidden place to hide while resting. Many of
them use bright colors and/or eye spots to warn off would-be predators when
they are flying, or when startled.

Sheri Moreau
The Butterfly Conservancy, Carmel, California <www.butterflywings.com>
email: <sheri at butterflywings.com>