Lepidoptera

An Order of Insects in a Fragile EcoSystem

 

Lepidoptera, An Order of Insects Art Exhibit by Sid Canas and Logan Lancaster.

 

The old definition of a moth was “anything that gradually, silently eats, consumes, or wages any other thing.” There is a type of moth that lives only on tears; Those of larger mammals. Moths are self-destructive by nature, some drawn to the light end up burnt by the flame; Drawn into a love that will cause them great pain. Moths are also like a canary in a coal mine, sensitive creatures whose changes in behavior alert scientists to larger environmental changes. Just like the butterfly, they are pollinators; keeping nature alive. 

 

Lepidoptera, An Order of Insects Art Exhibit by Sid Canas and Logan Lancaster.


Butterflies: a symbol of rebirth. Certain species are known to dine not only on nectar but on carrion and rotting fruit; helping along the process of decomposition. The Harvester caterpillar, the only one with a carnivorous diet, eats aphids. In a reversal of nature, caterpillars and butterflies provide a food source for larger creatures, like birds. In this way and many others, they are assisting the circle of life in spinning.
 

Lepidoptera, An Order of Insects Art Exhibit by Sid Canas and Logan Lancaster. I added solar-powered lights to the Little Gallery so that in the evening they will come on for a few hours. They are beautiful to see, but light at night can be very disruptive to insects. So I try to use them sparingly.


Each living creature plays a vital role in sustaining the fragile ecosystem. We focus on these two to draw attention not only to the beauty but the function of life. There is a function in beauty as well, with these insects’ gorgeous coloring creating camouflage, warnings of toxicity, or to attract mates and further on the species. The intricate lives of lepidoptera are only a cog in the wheel that keeps nature ticking; but no less important for it.