Butterflies are winged insects from the lepidopteran superfamily Papilionoidea, characterised by large, often brightly coloured wings that often fold together when at rest, and a conspicuous, fluttering flight.

Mar 2, 2026 · A butterfly is any of numerous species of insects belonging to multiple families in the order Lepidoptera and are nearly worldwide in distribution.

There are about 17,500 species of butterflies in the world, and around 750 species in the United States. Distinctive characteristics. Butterflies (and moths) are the only group of insects that have scales …

Let’s explore 19 out of the 20,000 butterfly species without further adieu. 1. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) Monarch butterflies have bright orange coloring on their wings with black veins and white …

The oldest and most complete website for butterfly lovers, gardeners, teachers, students, and farmers. Butterfly clip art, inspirational stories, butterfly gardening, wildlife gardening, educational articles, …

A butterfly’s life cycle consists of four distinct stages, a process called complete metamorphosis. It begins as an egg, hatches into a larva (caterpillar), then transforms into a pupa (chrysalis), and …

If you know which butterfly you would like more information on, use our butterfly A to Z.