They are limited by the physics of gas exchange. Like most carbon based life forms, they need to absorb O2 and expel CO2. Their surface area is covered in spiracles for this purpose. The surface area must be sufficient to maintain oxygenation throughout the body mass.
Hmm. The clearer one (panel 4) seems to be a recolored Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. In the next panel, looks like a recolored Julia. …There are real-life purple butterflies (such as the Purple Emperor a.k.a. Japanese Emperor), but they’re not native to North America. Or the Tiger Swallowtail in its natural colors (striking yellow and black) would’ve been nice to see, since they’re native. Oh, well, that’s just me being fussy as a butterfly lover.
seanfear over 1 year ago
or how small humans can be
Ida No over 1 year ago
“Check out the monarchs. They come in ‘king-size’.”
Brass Orchid Premium Member over 1 year ago
They are limited by the physics of gas exchange. Like most carbon based life forms, they need to absorb O2 and expel CO2. Their surface area is covered in spiracles for this purpose. The surface area must be sufficient to maintain oxygenation throughout the body mass.
Dkram over 1 year ago
Mothra?
\\//_
vaughnrl2003 Premium Member over 1 year ago
I’d pay to see a butterfly rodeo.
Ed The Red Premium Member over 1 year ago
Not that big.
Kit Miller over 1 year ago
Wouldn’t it be cool if they did get a lot bigger?
scyphi26 over 1 year ago
Not big enough…unfortunately.
ladykat over 1 year ago
Not big enough for your daydream, Doug.
Mel-T-Pass Premium Member over 1 year ago
Unknown to most, Mothra had an Uber side gig.
Diat60 over 1 year ago
Maybe some Jefferson Airplane? ♫One pill makes you bigger, one pill makes you small…♫
cuzinron47 over 1 year ago
New movie coming out, How to Train Your Butterfly.
Beowulf 406 Premium Member over 1 year ago
Looks like a: “purple emperor, a butterfly that loves the tops of oak-woods”
SallyLin over 1 year ago
Lovely!
wfhite over 1 year ago
Show them either Mothra or Avatar.
Taracinablue over 1 year ago
Hmm. The clearer one (panel 4) seems to be a recolored Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. In the next panel, looks like a recolored Julia. …There are real-life purple butterflies (such as the Purple Emperor a.k.a. Japanese Emperor), but they’re not native to North America. Or the Tiger Swallowtail in its natural colors (striking yellow and black) would’ve been nice to see, since they’re native. Oh, well, that’s just me being fussy as a butterfly lover.