Butterfly Facts
Butterflies are winged insects that come in a plethora of bright colors. Butterflies are generally welcomed with awe and appreciation. Many people plant gardens specifically designed to attract various butterfly species.
Description
Butterflies are built like all insects: Three body parts (head, thorax and abdomen), an exoskeleton, six jointed legs, and compound eyes. Their bodies are covered with tiny sensory hairs and their four wings are covered with colorful scales.
Classification
Butterflies are part of the classification order Lepidoptera, which, translated from the original Greek means "scales" (lepidos) and "wing" (ptera). There are approximately 28,000 species of butterflies worldwide.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a butterfly has four stages, during which the butterfly undergoes complete metamorphosis. The four stages are egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (caterpillar in cocoon) and adult.
Diet
Butterflies live on a liquid diet. Their long, tube-like tongue, or proboscis, uncoils to sip flower nectar, animal fluids, or liquid from rotting fruit or animal flesh.
Habitat
Although butterflies live in almost every environment, most species inhabit tropical climates. Many species of butterflies migrate to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Fun Fact
Many female butterflies can taste with their feet. In deciding on a location to lay eggs, they walk upon and taste vegetation to see if it is suitable food for their newly hatched caterpillars.
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