ABSTRACT
Ultraviolet (UV) signal is found in the wings of many butterflies and moths. UV reflectance arises due to the arrangement of scales which causes interference. The UV signal present in the wing of butterflies and moths is to provide intra-as well as interspecific signal communication. This chapter analyzes the UV reflection pattern of two different families of Lepidoptera (Papilionidae and Nymphalidaea). UV signal of four different members of Papilionidae such as Papilio demoleus, Graphium doson, Papilio polytes stichius form and Papilio polytes cyrus form were analyzed under both epiwhite and UV light. All the examined species of the two different families Papilionidae and Nymphalidae possess unique UV patterns. The chapter deciphers the variation in the UV pattern in two different forms of Papilio polytes. All the bright spots and patches present in the wings of Papilonidae and Nymphalidae possess UV signals which are probably for signal communication.
