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Exotic
Butterflies have been in existence for 100 million years
and can be found worldwide - from the Arctic tundra to
deserts to the tropics, where they are most abundant.
There are an estimated
20,000 types of butterflies, many of which are known as
exotic butterflies. Together with their cousin, the moth,
they make up a large group or order of insects known as
Lepidoptera (from the Greek words for scale and wing),
since the insects are covered from feet to wings with thousands
of tiny scales. |
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life as an egg, butterflies pass through three distinct stages
including caterpillar or larva, which later evolves into
a pupa or chrysalis from which the fully formed, winged
adult finally emerges. Adult exotic butterflies live anywhere
from a few weeks to several months. Butterflies come in
all shapes and sizes; their exotic colors and patterns
provide a natural camouflage against predators. |
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One
of the largest is the bird-wing, a New Guinea native whose
wing tips can span 11 inches. These are a favorite of Albaranes,
along with the iridescent Morpho butterflies in the Morphidae
family. Large or small, exotic
butterflies are by far some of the most beautiful creatures
on the planet. Many find them very relaxing to just stare
at and study. By having your exotic butterflies in acrylic,
they remain suspended as if caught in mid flight. Because
there are so many species and variations of each species,
owning a piece of exotic butterfly art is a great way to
appreciate these amazing creatures without corrupting the
environment. |
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Where
Our Butterflies Come From
We bring these magical
creatures from the far corners of the earth. As naturalists,
we are concerned that over the past century, butterflies,
as well as other insects and flora, have been on the decline
as a result of the destruction of the rain forest and other
natural habitats. Through the combined efforts
of lepidopterists worldwide, butterfly farms have been
constructed for the purpose of increasing butterfly populations.
Whereas only 10 per-cent of eggs laid by butterflies in
the wild survive to full maturity, in these farms, where
the exotic butterflies are protected from natural predators,
90 percent of the eggs survive! |
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More
butterflies are released from these farms than would
have occurred in nature, helping replenish and protect
the species. The remaining butterflies are harvested,
allowing the world to share in their unique beauty, while
providing much needed employment in these economically
challenged regions. The butterflies of Exotic Butterfly
Art are the result of these environmentally and economically
vital farming operations. |
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