Marisia - Maros Megyei Múzeum Évkönyve 35/2. (2015)
Zoology
Petru-Vasile ISTRATE, Roxana COSMA Introduction The following project includes the results of studying the collection of exotic lepidopteras held by the National College “Alexandru Papiu Ilarian” from Tirgu Mures. The purpose of this investigation was to establish whether the morphology of the wing of butterflies, represented by shape, dimension, as well as the design of the wings, realised in a variation of colours, represents one of the main ways of adapting to life environment. We advanced the idea that the morphological aspects of the wings, given by shape and polychromy, are not accidental, but in direct correlation with the living environment. Practically, the wings ensures butterflies: moving by flying with the purpose of finding food and a reproduction partner, respectively, it is the most efficient way of escaping from the predators. The collection of exotic butterflies of the National College “Alexandru Papiu Ilarian” from Tirgu Mures (fig. 1) is composed of 48 specimens, out of which 36 are diurnal and 12 are nocturnal. The butterflies are exposed in 4 varnished cherry wood boxes, the collection being placed in the school, on a wall at the entrance to the Festive Hall, framed by two other boxes of coleopteras. The 4 boxes with glass cover were fixed with screws and dowels, having a good viewing. Materials and methods The collection was realised during 2012 and 2013, especially by professor doctor Petru Istrate, after and exchange of coleopterans and lepidopteras from the local fauna, with diverse foreign entomologists. The collection is dudes as didactic material during biology classes for 5th and 9th grade, as well as an attraction for the visitors of the school. The presentation of the butterfly collection was realised with the occasion of two editions of the exposition “The fascinating world of tropical butterflies” (October 2013, October 2014), with the occasion of the Days of the College-opening of the exposition and communication about the entomological material from the collection, realised by the students of the natural science profile from the National College “Alexandru Papiu Ilarian” from Tirgu Murey The preparation of the butterflies, which came in transparent wax paper envelopes was realised by taking the well known steps, which began with soaking the butterflies in crystallisers with liquid solution of phenol, poured in successive layers of filter paper. [3,4] The expansion of the wings was made on some special presses, made out of soft lime, willow or poplar wood, and polystyrene boards. [2] Drying the exposed butterflies is influenced by more factors. The process takes longer for fresh butterflies and less for the soaked ones. For the bigger species it took 30-45 days, and less for the smaller ones. The drying process was accelerated during summer when the room temperature was kept high and constant. The butterflies were deposited in special insectariums, with tight seal system, preventing harmful insects from getting inside. The boxes respect the mandatory standards. They were polished and on each one’s bottom surface was fixed a polystyrene board, which enables fixing even the thinest etymological needles. Determining the butterflies, which turned out as a challenge, was realised using determination keys and pictures of the butterflies published on specialised websites, for example: https:// www.insectsdesigns.com,butterflycorner.net. Some species came defined. 118
