Like many other insects, butterflies have an essential role in the environmental ecosystem. First and foremost, they are one of the most important facilitators of plant reproduction by distributing pollen. They are also a vital food source for snakes, birds, spiders, lizards, and frogs. These lovely bugs also cycle nutrients through the consumption of leaves. For kids who want to learn more, read more amazing butterfly facts about how they mate, absorb energy, pollinate, and contribute to the growth of fruits and vegetables.
Information About Butterflies For Kids
Butterflies are intricate and complicated insects that play a vital role in pollinating plants, as well as provide a food source for others. The incredible patterns of color across their wings are a testament to the beautiful art that exists in nature. Children will be astonished to learn the vital role they play in the environment, far more significant than seems possible given their frail bodies and short life span. Here is some interesting information about the stages of development, the incredible anatomical parts, the vast number of species, and everything else about butterflies. You'll want to share all these facts with of your kids next time you have the privilege of watching them perched on a flower or breezily flying through the garden, knowing they have incredible purpose in a fleeting amount of time. Also, be sure to gather some of the best picture books about butterflies that are chock full of facts woven throughout entertaining stories.
Butterfly Anatomy
Butterflies come in a wide variety of sizes.
It's no surprise that there is a range in size, however, kids will be amazed to know the smallest measures less than a half an inch while the largest species has a wingspan of 12 inches. Much like humans, their size is a directly correlated to nutrition, gender, and genetics.
Most people think butterflies have two wings, but they actually have four wings.
There is a set of forewings close to the head and a second set of hind wings by the rear. The forewings are responsible for flight while the hind wings help them with agile movement, like when they need to turn quickly to escape a predator. Each of the wings is covered in thousands of delicate scales that are made of up flattened, microscopic feathers. These scales absorb sunlight and help them with flight. They can rub off easily, like when caught in a spiderweb,;which can shorten their lifespan.
The skeletons of butterflies are outside of their bodies.
This exoskeleton protects the insects and helps to retain fluid so that they don't dry out and wither away. Made of a material called chitin, the exoskeleton is connected to muscle and soft tissue and provides the flexibility necessary for movement and flight. Although fragile, this structure provides adequate coverage around its vital organs. The head, chest, abdomen, and wings are all covered by the chitinous material of the exoskeleton.
Butterfly Species
There are more than 17,000 different types of butterflies.
Estimates vary, with some sources reporting closer to 160,000 different species around the world. Within the United States, 750 different types have been recorded. The classification systems has butterflies organized into six different Families, with their familiar names as follows: Swallowtails, Whites and Sulphurs and Yellows, Metalmarks, Blues and Hairstreaks, Brush-footed, and Skippers.
How Butterflies Eat
Butterflies have taste receptors in their feet.
When they land on plants and flowers, their feet detect whether or not they have the necessary nutrients for survival. Scientists have determined that they can differentiate between salty, sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. All of the taste buds are on their feet, which they use to determine if plants are edible. This is particularly helpful in determining where to lay their eggs.
Butterflies drink what they require for nutrition through their proboscis, which is their mouth.
Their diet is entirely liquid since they don't have the necessary parts to chew food. Kids who observe butterflies might see what they believe to be a tongue extending from the head. This tubelike structure is called a proboscis, which is more like a mouth utilized to ingest nectar and juices. However, all of the taste buds are on their feet, which they use to determine if plants are edible.
Lifecycle of Butterflies
Egg Phase
The process begins with the egg stage when female butterflies seek out the perfect leaf under which to lay them. This leaf must be edible as it is the primary source of nutrition for the hatchlings. An average of 200 to 500 eggs are laid at a time, and they typically hatch within 3 to 7 days for most species. Despite the large quantity, only about 2 out of every 100 survive. About 98% of these eggs are killed by nature, which is actually a good thing. If all of those eggs became butterflies, the population would overwhelm and ultimately destroy plant life. Some of the primary predators include flies, wasps, spiders, and fire ants.
Caterpillar Phase
The next phase is called the larva or caterpillar stage. Just like kids learn in Eric Carle's Very Hungry Caterpillar, this is a period of intense feeding. They grow close to 100 times their original size, requiring them to shed skin at least five times along the way.
Pupa Phase
After it has gotten its fill, the larva moves into the pupa, or chrysalis, stage where it hangs protected by a cocoon from the underside of a branch or leaf. An enormous amount of change and cell development is going on inside the private walls of the silky covering.
Reproductive Phase
After several weeks, an adult butterfly enters into what is called the reproductive stage. Feeding usually ceases at this time, as does all growth. The insect is a barely recognizable compared to its original form. From here, she spreads her wings and starts the process all over again.
Although the entire life cycle can last from two to eight months, butterflies on average live for only two weeks.
There are a lot of factors that determine the exact life expectancy, including environment and species. For example, Monarch butterflies living in Central and South America, with conditions ideal for their survival, live to the ripe old age of 9 months. However, in other places they may only survive for 6 weeks. Certain species that go into hibernation have longer lives due to avoiding adverse weather conditions and predators.
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