Butterfly – Anatomy

Like many other insects, butterflies have bodies divided into three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The entire outer surface of a butterfly is covered with tiny sensory hairs. All butterflies possess two pairs of overlapping wings made of a thin membrane supported by a network of tubular veins radiating from the base of the wings. This membrane is partially or fully covered in a dust-like layer of colored scales. A pair of segmented antennae extends from between the eyes. These can be angled in various directions and serve as pheromone detectors, aiding in finding mates and recognizing individuals. The thorax consists of three segments, each with a pair of legs. In some butterfly families, the front pair may be reduced in size and non-functional. At the beginning of the digestive system in adult butterflies is a tubular structure (similar to a drinking straw) that allows them to reach deep into flowers to extract nectar. Butterflies reproduce by laying eggs on appropriate host plants, which provide food for the larvae once they hatch.