Butterfly Flashcards
What is the scientific name for butterflies?
Lepidoptera
True or False: Butterflies have four wings.
True
What is the process called when a butterfly changes from a caterpillar to an adult?
Metamorphosis
What do butterflies use to taste food?
Their feet
Which sense do butterflies rely on heavily for finding food and mates?
Vision
What is the purpose of the scales on a butterfly’s wings?
To provide color and insulation
What family do butterflies belong to?
Papilionidae
How many stages are there in a butterfly’s life cycle?
Four
What do butterflies use to sense the temperature of their surroundings?
Antennae
What is the primary source of food for adult butterflies?
Nectar
What is the purpose of the proboscis in butterflies?
To suck up nectar
Which part of a butterfly’s body is responsible for regulating its body temperature?
Wings
What is the main predator of butterflies?
Birds
How do butterflies protect themselves from predators?
Camouflage
What is the lifespan of an adult butterfly?
2 weeks to 1 year
Where do butterflies go during the winter months?
Hibernation
What is the process called when butterflies migrate long distances to warmer climates?
Migration
What is the purpose of the chrysalis in a butterfly’s life cycle?
To protect the developing butterfly
Which continent has the most diverse species of butterflies?
South America
What is the state insect of Colorado?
Colorado hairstreak butterfly
Why are butterflies important to the ecosystem?
They pollinate flowers and serve as a food source for other animals
What is the largest butterfly species in the world?
Queen Alexandra’s birdwing
What is the smallest butterfly species in the world?
Western pygmy blue
What is the purpose of the eyespots on a butterfly’s wings?
To scare away predators
What is the main threat to butterfly populations worldwide?
Habitat loss
