Metamorphosis Montage: The Lepidopteran Lifecycle, 1890

The butterflies depicted in the images represent species from the British Isles, from 'A History of British Butterflies' by Morris. They are original hand-coloured antique prints. Here's some information about each species:1. Gatekeeper (Pyronia tithonus): Often found in hedgerows and grassy fields, the Gatekeeper or Hedge Brown is a medium-sized butterfly with warm brown colors and eyespots on the tips of the wings, which are believed to deflect attacks from predators away from the more vital body parts. Males have a distinctive sex brand on their forewings, which are patches of specialized scent scales used to attract females.2. Grayling (Hipparchia semele), often mistaken for the Rock-Eyed Underwing: This butterfly has cryptic coloring that offers excellent camouflage against rocks and tree bark, enabling it to go unnoticed when its wings are closed. It is a species that enjoys basking with its wings flat against a sunny surface. The underwings are mottled with grays and browns, resembling the textures of rocks and tree bark, which is an effective adaptation for evading predators.3. Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina), likely what is referred to as the Small Meadow Brown: This is one of the most common and widespread butterflies in Britain. The females are usually slightly paler and have more orange on the wings, while the males have a dark patch of scent scales on their forewings. The Meadow Brown is adaptable and can thrive in a variety of grassy habitats.What makes these species interesting, apart from their beauty and contribution to biodiversity, is their adaptability to the British climate and their roles as pollinators in their ecosystems. Each butterfly has developed unique adaptations, from the Gatekeeper’s mating strategies to the Grayling’s camouflage and the Meadow Brown’s widespread presence across varying habitats, showcasing the diversity of survival strategies in the butterfly world. These characteristics, coupled with their intricate life cycles depicted in the stages of caterpillar to chrysalis to adult butterfly, make them a fascinating subject for both nature enthusiasts and scientists.