our trip to The Butterfly Conservatory at Niagara Falls in June 2013. If you missed my first one, you can look at it here. I identify the butterflies when I can. If there isn't an ID, then know that I tried my hardest. I have a couple of books in my collection, and looked online without success. There are similarities but nothing concrete. When this is the case I ask for helpers, and if you recognize any, I would be delighted if you would pass on your knowledge. Thanks always in advance.
In the photo below, the one on the left is the Postman (Heliconiums melpomene). On the right is the Cairns Birdwing (Ornithoptera euphorion).
Another view of the the Cairns Birdwing.
If you go here on Wikipedia, the page will tell you all about butterflies. If you scroll down to where the subject is 'paleontology', you will read what I have included below. I have provided links throughout, just as it is in the paragraph.
The earliest Lepidoptera fossils (Lepidoptera meaning an order of insects that includes butterflies and moths) date back to the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, around 200 million years ago. Butterflies evolved from moths, so while the butterflies are monophyletic (forming a single clade), the moths are not. The oldest known butterfly is Protocoeliades kristenseni from the Palaeocene aged Fur Formation of Denmark, approximately 55 million years old, which belongs to the family Hesperidae (skippers). Molecular clock estimates suggest that butterflies originated sometime in the mid-Cretaceous, but only significantly diversified during the Cenozoic. The oldest American butterfly is the Late Eocene Prodryas persephone from the Florissant Fossil Beds, approximately 34 million years old.
You may have seen this before as I have shared it on at least two other posts. It is my last and favorite butterfly, though I loved them all. The sweetest sight greeted us as we walked around a corner. A father holding his little girl dressed as a pretty butterfly. Her mother was nearby with a visiting grandparent, the little one's grandfather, and both were smiling. I could not resist capturing such a beautiful moment. This little butterfly was in daddy's arms and was a charming photo opportunity. I only wish I could give it to them. That little girl would be about 10 years' old now.
