Butterfly

Butterflies are insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, a group they share with moths. Around 18,000 butterfly species have been described, living on every continent except Antarctica. Their bodies are divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen, with six legs, two antennae, and four wings covered in tiny overlapping scales that create their colors and patterns.

Some colors come from pigments, while others are produced when the microscopic structure of the scales reflects light. Adult butterflies feed mainly on flower nectar using a long, coiled mouthpart called a proboscis, although some species also drink tree sap, fruit juices, or mineral-rich water from damp soil. By moving from flower to flower, many butterflies help pollinate a wide variety of plants.

Like all butterflies, they undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through four stages: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult. The caterpillar's main role is to eat and grow, storing energy for the dramatic transformation that takes place inside the chrysalis. Once the adult emerges, its priorities shift to feeding, dispersing, and reproducing.

Butterflies rely on excellent vision, a keen sense of smell, and sunlight to find flowers, locate mates, and navigate. Their populations are closely linked to healthy habitats, since both caterpillars and adults depend on specific plants. Changes in climate, habitat loss, and pesticide use have caused declines in many species, making butterflies valuable indicators of the health of natural ecosystems.