Morphometrics of Papilioninae (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae) occurring in four communities from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. II. Relationships among body parts, flight aerodynamics and wing types

This study investigated morphometric parameters associated to flight in Papilioninae. Comparisons were accomplished with body parts, wing form and dynamics of flight of 10 species collected at four different places. Was analyzed the total mass of the body, thoracic mass, length and width and area of fore and hind wings, wing loading and aspect ratio and flight speed prevision. The analyses showed significative differences among species, sexes and communities investigated. The correlations between the length and width of fore wings were positive and significant for both sexes. The values obtained for wing loading, aspect ratio, and estimated flight speed, among sexes and species, were similar to those measured in the field or insectary.

Aspect ratio; body size; butterflies; insect; wing loading