Butterflies

• There are almost 700 species of butterflies in North America.
• Butterflies are insects that belong to the large animal phylum Arthropoda, which includes all the jointed-leg invertebrates. They have 6 jointed legs, 3 body segments and 2 antennae.
• Butterflies are significant plant pollinators as well as indicators of ecological quality in our environment.
• A combination of many factors affects the distribution of butterflies: the plants they eat, their tolerance of temperature and moisture, their ability to reach new areas and changes in the landscape.
• After mating, female butterflies lay eggs either singly, or in rows, chains, or clusters of a few to several hundred eggs.
• The life cycle of butterflies - from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult - is called metamorphosis.
• Butterflies fly during the day.
• When at rest, butterflies tend to hold their wings vertically over their backs.
• A butterfly's antennae are probably used for smelling as well as for touching and orientation.

Butterflies spotted in the park: