butterflies, new discoveries

How Butterflies Conquered the World: A New ‘Family Tree’ Traces Their 100-Million-Year Journey Across the Globe

How old are butterflies, and where did they evolve? And perhaps more importantly, how and when did they reach the isolated continent of Australia? Answers to these simple questions have baffled scientists for decades. Until recently, we had very little idea when butterflies evolved, and hypotheses concerning their place of origin were largely educated guesses. ...

Troy Oakes

Beautiful red-spotted purple admiral butterfly on colorful Lantana flower.

Duke of Burgundy Butterflies: Saved From Extinction by UK Farmers

Why have UK farmers spent time and resources saving the Duke of Burgundy butterflies? Ruskin Bond once said: “And when all the wars are over, a butterfly will still be beautiful.” He captured the essence of the beauty of a butterfly and the hopefulness that the creature represents. For years, butterflies have served as a ...

Jack Roberts

Duke of Burgundy butterfly resting on a leaf.

The Magnificent Asia Cement Ecological Park Features Butterflies and Stick Insects

Contrary to the popular notion that environmental conditions in the area adjacent to a cement plant would be negatively impacted, Asia Cement Ecological Park at Heping Cement Professional Area in eastern Taiwan’s Hualien County turns out to be a leafy oasis on the bustling Provincial Highway 8, also known as Central Cross-Island Highway. Please watch ...

Billy Shyu

The Asia Cement Ecological park.