Butterflies

Butterflies are diurnal insects in the order Lepidoptera, closely related to moths. They comprise about 17,500 described species worldwide and inhabit a range of ecosystems from tropical forests to temperate meadows. Butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, with four life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult.

Eggs are often laid on host plants; larvae feed on specific plants and may be highly specialized. Adults typically feed on nectar, obtained with a long flexible proboscis; some also feed on fruit, tree sap, or animal dung. Mating and reproduction involve chemical cues and visual signals; many species are capable of long-distance migration.

Wings are covered with microscopic scales; scales give color through pigments and structural coloration. Colors serve for camouflage, mate attraction, and warning. The wings, held upright or outstretched when at rest, often display patterns that deter predators (eye spots, mimicry).

Butterflies play a role in pollination, though they are generally less efficient than bees. They have coevolved with flowering plants and often depend on specific host plants during the larval stage. Notable ecological interactions include monarch butterflies sequestering toxins from milkweed and various species exhibiting mimicry or mutualisms with ants.

Taxonomically, butterflies are grouped into several families, including Papilionidae (swallowtails), Pieridae (whites and sulfurs), Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies), Lycaenidae (gossamer-winged), and Hesperiidae (skippers). Global populations face pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides, leading to conservation efforts focused on habitat preservation and the protection of host plants.