Have you ever wondered if caterpillars have teeth? How high butterflies can fly? On these pages, find in-depth information about the behavior, appearance, life cycle, and handling of butterflies and moths.
Questions are answered by renowned lepidopterist Paul Opler (author of several Peterson Field Guides).
Questions About the Butterfly and Moth Life Cycle
- What is the life cycle of butterflies and moths?
- How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly?
- Why do caterpillars turn into butterflies?
- How do caterpillars "know" when it is time to turn into a chrysalis?
- What is the red liquid that comes out of a butterfly's abdomen after emergence?
- Do caterpillars breathe in their chrysalis?
- What is the difference between a chrysalis and a cocoon?
- Does a butterfly eat the chrysalis after it emerges?
Questions About Butterfly or Moth Appearance
- Why are butterfly and moth wings so delicate?
- Why do some butterfly and moth wings have such brilliant colors?
- Do caterpillars have teeth?
- Do caterpillars or butterflies have ears?
- Why do butterflies have dust on their wings?
- Do butterflies look the same on both sides?
- How does one tell the difference between male and female butterflies?
- How many legs does a caterpillar have?
- Why do some caterpillars have such funny colors?
- Can you tell a moth caterpillar from a butterfly caterpillar?
Questions About Catching and Handling Butterflies and Moths