Jonathan Pelham will give a talk titled ‘Intermediate Butterfly Biology:  Anatomy and Phylogeny’.  

The focus will be on recent research in both topics.  New research on ‘wing hearts’ and their role in circulation and thermoregulation, as well as on reproductive organs and strategies, are changing classical views of butterfly biology.  Jon will provide an overview of butterfly biology, highlighting some of the new discoveries.  He’ll also discuss how molecular biology is causing reconsideration of morphological assessments of lepidoptera species classification.  

Thermal camera and visible photos of a hickory hairstreak (Satyrium caryaevorus) basking in the sun. Because of their small thermal capacity, the wings can overheat rapidly.