Butterfly
Find out everything there is to know about butterflies and stay updated on the latest news with comprehensive articles, interactive features and butterfly pictures at LiveScience.com. Learn more about these fascinating insects as scientists continue to make amazing discoveries about butterflies.
Latest about Butterflies
Butterflies cross Atlantic ocean on 2,600-mile non-stop flight never recorded in any insect before
By Ben Turner published
Painted lady butterflies discovered in French Guiana — thousands of miles from their usual habitats — got there through a Herculean transoceanic flight.
All butterflies evolved from ancient moths in North America 100 million years ago
By Soumya Sagar published
Scientists have revealed how butterflies evolved and took over the world in a new tree of life.
Monarch butterflies teetering ‘on the edge of collapse,’ added to endangered species list
By Stephanie Pappas published
The migratory monarch is threatened by habitat loss, pesticide and herbicide use, and climate change.
What's the difference between a moth and a butterfly?
By Tia Ghose published
Though related, there are key differences between them.
New video reveals how 'caterpillar soup' transforms into shimmering butterfly wings
By Nicoletta Lanese published
Scientists watched butterfly wing scales form within the chrysalis.
'Russian doll' set of stomach-bursting parasites released inside butterfly on remote Finnish island
By Ben Turner published
Despite the remoteness of the island, the parasites are even better than their hosts at surviving — a feat researchers believe was accomplished through superior flying skills.
Milkweed butterflies tear open caterpillars and drink them alive
By Mindy Weisberger published
These ghastly meals provide male butterflies with chemicals that they use to produce mating pheromones, which female butterflies find irresistible.
Monarch butterfly: Facts about the iconic migratory insects
By Erin Banks Rusby published
With their bright orange hues and lengthy migration, monarch butterflies are one of the world's most iconic insects.
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