Lifespan of Butterflies

Abstract

from mark-recapture experiments of 26 species. Expected lifespan is only about 7-12 days in temperate species without adult diapause or ,hiberna- tion; females usually live slightly longer than males. Hot weather de- creased lifespan of three species. Some tropical species live several months. Long life of up to 8 months can occur in temperate species hibernating as adults. Some temperate and tropical species aestivate for several months as adults in dry periods. Abstract. Expected lifespan was found from survival rates estimated