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: