Free butterfly
However what most people may not realise is that they have a fascinating growth cycle. They start out as eggs. The eggs have a variety of colours depending on the butterfly specie. Some are green, others are yellow and brown among other colours. From the egg comes out the larva which is a caterpillar. Caterpillars are not as beautiful as butterflies such that the transformation of the butterfly in its growth cycle is amazing. From the larva stage the butterfly is transformed into a pupa or chrysalis. At this stage the butterfly is wrapped in a cocoon. It is at this stage that the butterfly metamorphoses from a caterpillar into a beautiful, winged butterfly. Some free butterfly
Butterflies have a lifespan ranging from one week to one year. During this time they mate in order to reproduce. Once the female lays its eggs the butterfly growth cycle begins again. They have interesting colourations which have been the subject of much study. Colours may be similar to those of plants as a way of protecting these creatures from predators. With many different species of butterflies, free butterfly
Butterfly
It may interest you to know that the studies of the design of the wings of these creatures gave rise to the designs of the wings of some aircraft. The interesting colours of the butterflies come from the minute scales which can rub off if touched. The brown and black colours come from the pigments in the scales while the brighter colours such as blue, red and green are created by the microstructure of the scales. Studies of the colours of these insects inspired the development of the light emitting diode.
Some scientists are studying the pigments in these insects so as to develop novel nanosized colour pigments that are non-toxic for various applications. Who knows what having free butterfly
Explore the different species of butterflies by choosing from a selection of still pictures of butterflies in their natural environs. Remember the butterfly has a long story to tell about the ups and downs of life.