Almost all butterflies have knobs at the end of their antennae, and when perched they usually hold their wings upright over their backs. Compared to moths, butterflies tend to have relatively slender bodies, and colorful wings. Most butterflies are active during the day and prefer sunny open habitats. Butterfly caterpillars form a chrysalis before becoming an adult. It is estimated that there are 18,500 known species world wide.

Did You Know this about butterflies?

• Caterpillars shed their skin before hardening into a chrysalis.
• Once a chrysalis is formed, the caterpillar turns into a mushy soup.
• Complete metamorphosis into a butterfly takes 10 to 14 days.
• Butterflies can fly with torn wings.
• Thousands of tiny scales cover butterfly wings, not powder.
• Butterflies see ultra violet light.
• Butterflies migrate to new territories and will even fly across oceans to find a new place to live.
• Male butterflies are territorial and will protect their area.
• Most butterflies are very hairy.
• Butterflies have clubs at the end of their antennae.