Butterfly - Life Cycle SummaryWritten by T.L. McMullen
INTRODUCTIONButterflies are beautiful insects of nature and often admired for their vibrant colors. According to The American Heritage Dictionary, they belong to biological order of Lepidoptera, and have distinct characteristics: slender bodies, knobbed antennae, and four wings (Dictionary.com). The Lepidoptera classification order is derived from Greek origin meaning “scales” and “wings” (Jeananda Col). Butterflies are members of insect family and their traits include 3 pairs of legs, a segmented body, and two pairs of wings. Although they are members of insect family, and carry same characteristics of other insects, butterflies generally appeal to people where most insects do not (Earthlife.net). Why are butterflies so unique? One distinguishing reason can be found by exploring a butterfly’s life cycle. Butterflies go through process of metamorphosis: a distinct transformation from an egg to a butterfly. LIFE STAGES OF A BUTTERFLY As a result of metamorphosis, butterflies go through a series of four, very distinct, life-type changes. The four stages include: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. •Egg Stage - beginning of life for a butterfly. The egg is a product of adult reproduction and is deposited on tree leaves by a sticky hormonal substance from adult. •Larva Stage - typical in appearance to a caterpillar. The majority of larva’s lifespan is spent eating and first meal is usually it’s own eggshell. As a result of continuous consumption, butterfly will increase several thousand times in size. It will spin a silky pad before progressing to next phase. It is not yet mature and it is unable to reproduce at this point.
| | How to Plant a TreeWritten by http://www.home-and-garden-decor.net
Selecting right tree for right place is a good first step in any landscape design, but proper planting also is important for getting your tree off to a good start. Trees are like all living creatures. They require more attention in beginning to promote a long, healthy life.Carefully choose planting site. Trees are difficult to move once they are established. Check with local authorities for regulations on placement of trees. Some communities have ordinances restricting placement of trees within a specified distance of a street, sidewalk, streetlight, or other utilities. BEFORE DIGGING, make sure that all underground utilities are clearly marked. You wouldn’t want to cut off electric power to your community or risk injury. Carefully follow planting instructions that come with your tree. If specific instructions are not available, follow these tips: Dig a hole about twice size of tree’s root ball, or about one foot wider than root system. The hole should be slightly shallower than root ball. If soil is especially heavy or wet, consider planting tree slightly higher. Remove all materials from root mass. This includes wires, string, burlap, and biodegradable containers. Neglecting this will hinder proper root growth. Gently place tree in center of hole and position it to grow straight. If tree has a prettier side, place it in direction most frequently viewed. If planting a bare root tree, carefully spread roots. Crumble soil removed from hole and cover roots with it. As you add soil to fill in around tree, lightly tamp soil to collapse air pockets, or add water to help settle soil. Air pockets around roots can be devastating to a newly planted tree. Add about four inches of mulch--wood chips, shredded bark, or grass clippings--around base of tree, extending out to tips of outermost branches. A 3-foot diameter circle of mulch is common. Mulching will retain moisture, reduce weeds, maintain a more even soil temperature, and eliminate mowing next to delicate bark. Be sure to pull mulch away from tree trunk because decomposing mulch can cause rot problems. Finally, give tree a thorough watering. If root ball is extremely dry, allow water to trickle into soil by placing hose at trunk of tree. Young trees need protection against rodents, frost cracks, sunscald, lawnmowers, and weed whackers. Plastic guards are an inexpensive and easy control method. Light colored tree wraps can be used to protect trunk from sunscald. Usually, staking trees is not necessary unless you live in an area with high winds.
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