University of Zagreb. Faculty of Science. Department of Biology.
Abstract
Leptiri i moljci pripadaju velikom redu kukaca Lepidoptera čije članove karakteriziraju dva para velikih krila prekrivenih ljuskama koja su izvor nevjerojatne raznolikosti oblika, boja i uzoraka te potpuna preobrazba koja označava životni ciklus od 4 stadija: jajašce, gusjenica, kukuljica i imago. U svakom stadiju izloženi su zakonu opstanka prema kojem preživljavaju jači te su kao posljedicu dugotrajne interakcije s predatorom razvili različite prilagodbe i mehanizme obrane. U ovom radu obrađeni su mehanizmi koji doprinose većim šansama za preživljavanje i opstanak vrste. Postoji iznimna raznovrsnost obrambenih mehanizama: kamuflaža, maskiranje, isprekidana obojenost, transparentnost krila, aposematizam, mimikrija, kemijska obrana.Butterflies and moths belong to the large order of insects Lepidoptera, whose members are characterized by two pairs of large wings covered with scales which are the source of incredible variety of shapes, colors and patterns and a complete metamorphosis that marks the life cycle of four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa and imago. At each stage they are exposed to the law of "survival of the fittest" so as a result of long-term interactions with predators they have developed various adaptations and defense mechanisms. This paper addresses the mechanisms that contribute to greater chances of survival and the existence of the species. There is a great variety of defensive mechanisms: camouflage, disguise, disruptive coloration, transparent wings, aposematism, mimicry, chemical defense
