Converging eyes and Lepidoptera evolution

The European Peacock (Aglais io) has four “eyes” on its wings just like the Emperor (Saturnia pavonia), it’s a nice example pareidolia and of convergent evolution. Peacock Butterfly Butterflies, of course, are just one branch on the moth family tree, we make a distinction in English because of our language and not much else. All the characteristics that are meant to set moths and butterflies apart are found in each, lots of day-flying moths, several with clubbed antennae, loads that are brightly coloured and patterned, some with thin bodies, some with thick, many that close their wings together above their bodies. Male Emperor Moth There is one difference…butterflies cannot unhook their forewings from their hindwings. That is the only physical difference between moths and butterflies. Funnily enough, butterflies are a grouping of micro moths, which doesn’t relate to their size as some micros are far bigger than macros. It’s all about evolutionary position.
Source: David Bradley Sciencebase - Songs, Snaps, Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Lepidoptera Source Type: blogs