Can you identify the different parts of a butterfly?

Hover over the image to the right to display the different parts of the butterfly anatomy.

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ANTENNA - plural, antennae
The sense organ on the head of a butterfly. These are often confused with the tentacles or filaments. Larval antennae are very small while adult ones are much longer.

CHRYSALIS - (KRISS-uh-lis); plural, chrysalides (KRISS-uh-lids)
Another name for butterfly pupa. The third stage in metamorphosis, after the larval stage.

COCOON - (Kuh-KOON)
A silk web that encloses the pupae of many moths, but not butterflies.

LARVA - (LAR-vuh), plural, larvae (LAR-vee)
This is the second stage, after the egg, in metamorphosis. Also known as caterpillar.

LEPIDOPTERA - (lep-uh-DOP-ter-uh)
The group or order of insects that is made up of butterflies and moths.

LEPIDOPTERIST
Lepidopterists are scientists who study butterflies. Some famous lepidopterists include Vladimir Nabakov and Sir Walter Rothschild.

METAMORPHOSIS - (met-uh-MOR-fuh-sis)
The series of developmental stages through which insects go to become adults. Through metamorphosis, a butterfly is transformed from an egg, to a larva, to a pupa, and finally to a butterfly.

PROBOSCIS - (pro-BAHS-kiss)
This is the feeding tube of an adult butterfly used for sucking nectar. The proboscis is coiled under the head when not in use.

SCALES:
Overlapping pieces of chitin (the same material of which exoskeletons are made) that insulate a butterfly's body and wings, improve their aerodynamics, and give them color and markings. Many people think the scales look like fine dust on butterfly wings.

TENTACLES:
The fleshy black extensions at the front and rear of butterfly larvae, which function as sense organs. Also called filaments.

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Make Your Own Butterfly Nectar

Making butterfly nectar at home is easy! All you need to do is mix 1 scoop powdered orange Gatorade with 2 quarts of water. Mix thoroughly and pour desired amount into a shallow plastic dish. Place an absorbent material inside the dish such as a brand new plastic kitchen scrubber. This will create a place for the butterflies to land! Pieces of rotting fruit such as bananas, grapes, and apples may be added to the mixture, but beware, this can attract unwanted pests such as ants and wasps as well!

Feeders may be placed by flowers in a garden, and the solution should be changed daily. Extra mixture should be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container until next use.

Make Your Own Butterfly Net

Materials Needed:

- Approximately 4ft. of heavy wire
- 1 sq. yard net material such as mosquito netting
- Wooden dowel rod (or old mop or broom handle)
- Needle and thread
- Drill with 1/2" - 3/4" bit

Have you ever wanted to catch butterflies in your yard so you could get a closer look? Now you can, when you make your very own butterfly net! Start off by folding the piece of heavy wire into a loop, and be sure to leave two prongs about 3 inches in length on each end. Next, take the netting and sew along one edge of the fabric, forming a cone shape. Sew a 1 inch wide hem along the top of the bag, and insert the wire through the hem, being careful not to rip the netting. Finally, drill a hole a couple of inches deep into the wooden rod. This is where you will stick the metal prongs from the net. Pinch the two prongs together, and carefully insert them into the drilled hole of the stick. Glue may be needed to keep the net sturdy and in place.

Make Your Own Butterfly Plant Stake

Materials Needed:

- A wooden popsicle stick, dowel rod, or plastic straw
- Glue or double-stick tape
- Crayons or markers
- Laminating paper (optional)
- Scissors
- Butterflies to color

This activity is a great way to enjoy butterflies by using simple, everyday items that you can find in your own home. First, print off the butterflies above and color them however you wish. Carefully cut out the butterflies and if desired, laminate the front of each one separately. Place the popsicle stick or straw between the two pieces and glue or tape the butterflies together, paying careful attention to line the edges up. When it dries, you have your very own butterfly plant stake!

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