Butterfly

The butterflies have 06 legs

Classification:	Insecta
Scientific name:	Rhopalocera

Butterflies are member of the group Invertebrates, called Arthropod and are related to mole cricket, gum moth, wasp and weevil.

Butterflies are beautiful, flying insects with large scaly wings. Butterflies have six legs. They are divided in main three parts.

• The Head
• The Thorax (Body)
• The Abdomen

The Head - The head of the butterfly houses its brain and a pair of eyes. The compound eyes contain several hexagonal lenses. The head also has a proboscis, which is similar to a tongue and the butterfly uses this to drink nectar and other liquids. The butterfly digests food within the pharynx which is another part of the head. The head also has a pair of antennae which uses to smell the environment around and also to keep a balance.

The Thorax (Body) - The mid section of the butterfly’s body is called the thorax. The thorax has six legs attached to it, which consist of two forelegs and four hind legs. There are four multicoloured wings attached to the thorax. The upper wings are called the forewings and the lower wings are called the hind wings. The thorax also contains the butterfly’s ears.

The Abdomen - The lower part of the butterfly’s called the abdomen. The abdomen contains parts necessary for life and reproduction, and the abdomen hoses the respiratory, circulatory, reproductive and digestive systems. Since butterflies are only able to consume liquids due to their lack of teeth, they release liquids as waste. The abdomen contains spiracles which used to inhale Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide. The heart of a butterfly is also located in the abdomen.

Life-cycle of a butterfly

Butterflies and moths undergo complete transformation, and they go through four different life stages.



Egg - A butterfly starts its life as an egg - laid on a leaf.

Larva (caterpillar) - The larva hatches from an egg and eats leaves or flowers almost constantly. The caterpillar will increase up to big size before pupating.

Pupa - It turns into a pupa - resting stage

Adult - A beautiful, flying adult come out. After This adult will continue the cycle)