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How to Tell a Male Butterfly From a Female

Butterflies are some of nature's most inspiring insects. They sport wings in seemingly every color and pattern imaginable and often draw gasps of awe and fascination when they are seen taking flight in large numbers. It is no surprise that they have captured the attentions and imaginations of admirers both young and old, some of whom may entertain the prospect of breeding butterflies for business or personal reasons. For these budding breeders, it becomes important to know how to distinguish male butterflies from their female counterparts.

Things You'll Need

Microscope
Book or other reference with distinguishing photographs of male and female butterflies of various species

Instructions

- 1
  Compare and contrast the visible physical characteristics of butterflies of the same species. Depending on the species, different genders of butterflies can be different sizes or have differing colors and patterns on their wings. In some cases, the female does not have any wings at all. Using a book that provides easy identification and points out these differences for each species is the simplest way to make the distinction.
- 2
  Watch the behavior of butterflies of the same species closely. Flight patterns and behaviors of male butterflies also differ from females. Males, constantly on the prowl for females, will be actively flitting about, while females tend to be more stationary or selective in their movements, concentrating on laying eggs in suitable plants.
- 3
  Bring out your microscope and take a closer look at the butterfly's abdomen, which may be the only way to tell the genders apart in some species. Female butterflies have rounder abdomens and a hole through which eggs will be laid, as well as an ovipositor: a tubular structure for egg laying. Males have a slit or clasping device at the ends of their abdomens.

Insects & Science