Butterflies are beautiful, flying insects with large scaly wings. Like all insects, they have six jointed legs, 3 body parts, a pair of antennae, compound eyes, and an exoskeleton. The three body parts are the head, thorax (the chest), and abdomen (the tail end). The butterfly's body is covered by tiny sensory hairs. The four wings and the six legs of the butterfly are attached to the thorax. The thorax contains the muscles that make the legs and wings move.
Butterfly's wings are covered with scales that overlap to provide colour and beautiful patterns. The patterns on the top and bottom of their wings are usually different and sometimes differ between male and female. Males are identified by a slit at the tip of the abdomen, while females have a round hole where the eggs are laid. The antennae are organs of smell used to locate food and a mate. Butterflies have 3 pair of feet and each leg has a hairy pad which is used as a taste organ. Butterflies use their proboscis to suck up liquid to maintain their water balance and energy stores. As they fly from flower to flower feeding on nectar, pollen grains clinging to the body are exchanged which helps plant pollination. Butterflies have a heart that runs the length of its upper body. Butterflies are cold-blooded and seek shelter in cold and wet weather. They cannot fly if their body temperature falls below 30°C. Butterflies always have their eyes open and do not sleep. In most case the male dies soon after mating and the female dies soon after laying her eggs.
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
Butterfly
No comments:
Post a Comment