Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Try to estimate the wingspan of the butterfly you want to identify. Female butterflies are usually larger than male butterflies. Describe the relation between the forewings and the hindwings and describe the shape of the wings.
Look at the pattern and colors on the wings. Describe how the butterfly flies.
Take a photo of the butterfly you want to identify. Write down information about where you found the butterfly and what time of the year it was. Draw the butterfly, if necessary.
Look for ways that you can describe the butterfly yourself. Many common butterfly names are description of the shape, pattern or color of the wings. For example, a swallowtail has a tail-like extension on its hindwings that resembles the tail of certain swallows. Peruse websites such as the Butterfly WebSite to find butterflies categorized by color. Check out books or other websites to identify butterflies categorized by flight patterns.
Research online for lists of butterflies found in certain areas. For example, the Butterfly Site.com. has a list of butterflies in different U.S. states. Look for the common butterfly families in the area in which you live. Research the characteristics of butterflies that resemble the one you want to identify.
Look for less-common or rare butterflies if you cannot find the butterfly you wish to identify. Search for photos of both male and female butterflies as the genders sometimes have differences in colors, patterns and size.