Adult Butterfly Wings
Butterflies actually have four wings, two on each side. The pair of wings closest to the head are called forewings, and the wings closest to the abdomen are called hindwings.
Wings are divided into different regions. The center part of the wings is called the disc. The part of the wing nearest the body is called the base. The edge of the wing is called the margin and the tip of the forewing or hindwing is called the apex.
The wings of both butterflies and moths are covered with tiny structures called scales. These scales are what gives the wings their bright colors and will rub off of the butterfly's wings quite easily if the insect is handled. Both butterflies and moths belong to a group of insects called Lepidoptera, which means "scaly wings" in Latin.
Adult Butterfy Legs
All insects, including butterflies, have six legs, but some butterflies, such as the painted lady, have only four fully developed walking legs. The two legs closest to the head are very small, useless for walking, and look like tiny brushes – which is why these butterflies are called "brush-footed butterflies."
Caterpillars also have six legs, even though they appear to have many more. The three pairs of legs that are closest to the caterpillar's head are true legs and attached to the thorax. Further back, the leglike structures on the abdomen look different from the legs near the head are not true legs at all. These prolegs disappear during the process of metamorphosis.
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Adult Butterfly Body Segments
Like all insects, adult butterflies have three body segments
- Head
The butterfly's head contains compound eyes, antennae, and labial palps. Compound eyes are able to see in virtually every direction simultaneously and are sensitive to movement. Antennae play a role in the butterfly's sense of balance, as well as the sense of smell. Butterflies sip liquids through a long narrow coiled tube called a proboscis that is extended and retracted between the labial palps.
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- Thorax
The wings and all 6 legs are connected to the thorax – where the animal's locomotive muscles are located. Butterflies taste with their rear pair of legs. Their ears, thin membranes with hairs underneath them are also located in the thorax.
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- Abdomen
The abdomen or rear part of the butterfly's body contains the reproductive, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. Adult butterflies only drink liquid, so only liquids are excreted. The anus is located at the end of the abdomen. Unlike mammals, which breathe through their mouths and noses, butterflies use the spiracles alongside their abdomen to allow oxygen to enter. Other spiracles exhale carbon dioxide.
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