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Butterfly


Peacock butterfly

The UK glories in more than 50 different species of this brightly coloured insect. Sadly though, a study by the Natural Environment Research Council in 2004 found a species decline of 71% between 1983 and 2003. Several UK species are now listed in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP).

Butterflies undergo a fascinating four-stage life-cycle, starting as tiny eggs laid on leaves in which the larva (or caterpillar) forms. Eggs can hatch after a few weeks or remian dormant for a season (usually winter) before emerging. Once hatched, the caterpillar varies massively in size, shape and colour depending on species. Some are furry, some spiky, some camoflagued, some smooth. All caterpillars though love to eat and will munch their way through a large amount of mostly green leaves to store up energy for their next phase – the chrysalis.

The chrysalis (or pupa) stage of a butterfly's life-cycle sees it transformed from shuffling caterpillar to free-flying butterfly. The caterpillar surrounds itself with a protective case and anchors itself to a plant.
 
Finally the insects emerge from their cocoon as fully formed butterflies, ready to find a mate and start the process all over again! At this stage some butterflies will travel thousands of miles in order to breed.

Read more about butterflies

Find out more about butterflies from Butterfly Conservation

Seen an usual species? Identify your butterfly

Facts

Appearance: Butterflies begin life as eggs which hatch into caterpillars, before forming a chrysalis and emerging as a fully formed butterfly. Butterflies are made up of three parts: the head, the thorax and the abdomen. They have protruding antennae coming from their head and their long, thin bodies have six legs and colourful wings. It is their stunning varitey of colourful and vivd wings that make butterflies particularly special.

Size: Varies depending on species

Lifespan: As an adult, anywhere between a week and up to a year, depending on species. Time as a caterpillar also varies considerably according to species and climate.

Diet: Caterpillars eat mostly leaf material, while adult butterflies survive on the nectar from flowers.

Family: Butterflies are part of the Lepidoptera family, which includes butterflies and moths.

Did you know?

  • Butterflies can be a good indicator of climate change with some species being seen earlier each year in the UK. More and more new species are spotted in the UK every year.
  • Some of the butterflies we see in spring have flown here from as far as southern Europe and north Africa.
  • Adult butterflies are important pollinators. Some caterpillars though are considered a pest. Adult butterflies are important pollinators. Some caterpillars though are considered a pest.
  • In Devonshire, people would traditionally rush around to kill the first butterfly of the year that they see, or else face a year of bad luck, whereas in Chinese culture, two butterflies seen flying together are a symbol of love.