Why Are Butterflies Different From Other Insects?

Wing Construction

• Butterfly wings are different from those of other insects. Most insect wings don't overlap like butterfly wings. The wings of a butterfly grow in two pairs and are covered in microscopic scales.

Tongue

• The tongues of butterflies differs from those of other insects. Most insects have straight tongues, while butterfly tongues are coiled. The tongues of butterflies also are long compared to other insects. The coils of butterflies tongues allow them to suck nectar from flowers. The coils also allow them to taste deep within the flower. The coils are rolled up when butterflies are not sucking on flowers and retract under their head.

Life Cycle

• Butterflies life cycles are a completely transformation, unlike most insects. The life cycle of butterflies begins like many insects as eggs, which become larva, but butterflies start to differ at the pupa stage. Butterflies are caterpillars that crawl and eat leaves until spinning cocoons as pupas. The cocoons are broken after development, and butterflies emerge with the ability to fly.

In Flight and at Rest

• Butterflies are graceful displays of form, both while flying and while at rest. Butterflies fly with vertical wings that gently undulate. Other insects wings rest horizontally on the bodies. Other insects also keep their wings folded flat while butterflies rest their wings upright.

Color

• The butterfly's scales comprise the color that expresses itself with a brilliant beauty. The color of butterflies indicates the sex.The wings absorb and reflect sunlight, which creates their appearance.