Morphological Variation of Butterfly Wing Scales (Lepidoptera) in the Taman Gading Ecotourism Area, Ledokombo, Jember, East Java
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.23948Keywords:
Butterflies, Ledokombo, Lepidoptera, Morphology, Wing scalesAbstract
This study provides the first detailed characterisation of wing scale variation in butterflies from Taman Gading Ecotourism, East Java. Thirty-three species representing Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, and Pieridae were sampled within a 1-hectare plot using insect nets during peak activity periods. The scales were examined under light microscopy, and morphometric measurements (length, width, and serration) were analyzed using ImageJ and PAST to assess morphological variation. Darkly pigmented scales were predominantly elongated, whereas lighter or translucent scales were mostly rounded, indicating adaptive, structural, and chemical differentiation. These findings support species identification, biodiversity assessment, and the development of bioinspired materials.
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