Butterfly

Butterflies are brightly colored flying insects with two pairs of large wings that vary in color and pattern from species to species. 

 Butterflies are insects, but large scaly wings set them apart. These wings allow them to fly but only when their body temperature is above 86 degrees.

 Total17,500 species of butterflies spread throughout almost the entire world.

 The fastest butterflies can fly up to 30 miles per hour.

 Butterflies have three body parts, like all other insects: the head, the thorax (chest), and the abdomen (bottom). The butterfly’s four wings and six legs are attached to the thorax.

 Butterflies change four times during their lives in a process which is called metamorphosis. They are born as an egg (stage 1). Next they turn into a caterpillar, or larvae (stage 2). This caterpillar will eat constantly – it loves leaves and flowers – and will grow and grow through this stage of its life.

 

Female butterflies are usually larger than males and they live longer

 Butterflies can live anywhere from 2 days to 11 months.