What makes a butterfly a butterfly ? Monarch butterfly (danaus plexippus) monarch butterflies have bright orange coloring on their wings with black veins and white dots, gaining worldwide recognition. · butterflies have a bilaterally symmetrical body divided into three broad segments: Informally, butterfly species present themselves as the colorful, winged insects associated with flowers and warm, sunny days. There are about 17,500 species of butterflies in the world, and around 750 species in the united states. From the iconic monarch to the elusive purple emperor, learn the unique characteristics of each butterfly species and how to identify them in your backyard and beyond. Butterflies (and moths) are the only group of insects that have scales covering their wings, although some butterflies have reduced scales. Some authors would include also members of the superfamily hedyloidea, the american butterfly moths. · a butterfly is any of numerous species of insects belonging to multiple families in the order lepidoptera and are nearly worldwide in distribution. In common with many other insects, adult butterflies have antennae, compound eyes, three pairs of legs, a hard exoskeleton, and a body that is divided into three parts: Both formal and informal approaches apply when anyone explains the types of butterflies native to the world’s fields, forests and residential areas. Butterflies are winged insects from the lepidopteran superfamily papilionoidea, characterised by large, often brightly coloured wings that often fold together when at rest, and a conspicuous, fluttering flight. The head is equipped with a pair of segmented antennae, a pair of compound eyes (but several simple eyes in caterpillars), and specialized mouthparts. Let’s explore 19 out of the 20,000 butterfly species without further adieu. A butterfly is an insect of the order lepidoptera that belongs to either the superfamily papilionoidea or the superfamily hesperioidea (“the skippers”). Butterflies and moths belong to the insect order lepidoptera, which is a word that comes from the greek words for “scale” and “wing. ” this is because all the patterns and colours on the wings and bodies of butterflies and moths are made up of tiny coloured scales. The head, thorax, and the abdomen. Head, thorax, and abdomen. · discover 27 different types of butterflies with unique features and behaviors in this guide for butterfly enthusiasts.