Desert Speaks

Jewels On The Wing

Jewels on the Wing Explore the wonder of butterflies, moths and dragonflies. Southern Arizona contains some of the highest diversity of species of butterflies in North America. This episode offers a sampling of some of those species, offering a spectrum of colors highlighting the richness and beauty of nature. Researchers examine behaviors of moths, which are sometimes referred to as "nighttime hummingbirds" because they hover and aid in natural pollination. Scientists study olfaction and what attracts moths. The section on dragon and damselflies focuses on these aquatic and terrestrial jewels with a brief examination of their life history. They are one of only a few species of insect that, throughout their lifecycle, require water, air, and land.