Question: what is the most amazing thing about butterflies

Edward Codling answered on 16 Jun 2011:

I can think of a few things that amaze me about butterflies:

1. The process of metamorphosis – it always amazes me how a worm-like caterpillar (which are usually quite ugly) can turn into a beautiful butterfly. There is some more info about metamorphosis here (lots of insects, fish, and amphibians also do this in different ways) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamorphosis

2. Wing patterns – I am amazed at the incredible detail and colour in a buttefly’s wings. If you have ever held one you can probably see this detail up close. Often if you have one in your hand you can feel a bit of ‘powder’ coming off – this is the scales that form the surface of the butterfly’s wings. The scales are incredibly detailed and are what forms the amazing colours and patterns that we can see. There is a bit more info on this page (scroll about one third of the way down) with some pictures of the scales: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly

3. Migration – I am always amazed that such a tiny and delicate insect is capable of migrating enormous distances across an entire continent to find new food areas or to hibernate. The monarch butterfly travels from Mexico to the north of the USA and Canada each year: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidoptera_migration

Some of the butterflies that we get in the UK have come all the way from North Africa – the Red Admiral and Painted Lady for example. It makes you appreciate them when they appear in the garden!
http://www.butterfly-conservation.org/text/987/migration.html