Butterfly is an insect. They are cold blooded animals (i.e they maintain their body temperature). They play an important role in maintaining the balance of nature and health of the living world. They pollinate wild plants and our crops, ensuring the production of seeds and fruits required for the continued survival of plants and animals, including humans. They go through complete metamorphism. Their life cycle is of four stages: egg, larvae (caterpillar), pupa and adult butterfly. They undergo a wonderful transformation from caterpillar to fantastic winged adult. Their normal life span is 2 to 4 weeks. They have their skeletons on the outside of their bodies, called the exoskeleton. This protects the insect and keeps water inside their bodies so they don’t dry out.

Facts About Butterfly

1. Their taste sensors are located in the feet, and by standing on their food, they can taste it! All butterflies have six legs and feet.
2. Butterflies smell with their antennae. Butterflies breath through openings in their abdomen called "spiracles".
3. Butterflies are the second largest group of pollinators.....next to bees.
4. Female butterflies usually are bigger and live longer than male butterflies. Butterflies range in size from a tiny 1/8 inch to a huge almost 12 inches.
5. Butterflies weigh only as much as two rose petals, but can fly thousands of miles.
6. Butterflies can’t hear, but they can feel vibrations.
7. Butterflies can see red, green, and yellow.
8. Caterpillars shed their skin to accommodate growth.....just like snakes have to.
9. Since butterflies are cold blooded it is necessary for them to warm up their flight muscles. This is done by basking in the sun in order to absorb heat.
10. Butterflies can attain a flight speed of up to 50 kph. Butterflies cannot fly if their body temperature is less than 86 degrees.
11. They feed primarily on nectar from flowers. Some also derive nourishment from pollen, tree sap, rotting fruit, dung, and dissolved minerals in wet sand or dirt.