Fun facts

12 amazing facts about butterflies and moths

Butterflies and moths are some of the most amazing creatures in nature. Did you know there are over 180,000 different kinds and they can be found on every continent – except the Antarctic! In Sensational Butterflies, Ben Rothery explores their amazing world. Here are some amazing facts about these curious creatures.

Ladybird team
Butterfly facts for kids
Illustration: Ben Rothery / Sensational Butterflies

1. Butterflies and moths are part of the same group of insects, known as ‘Lepidoptera’. To tell them apart, butterflies fly in bright sunshine, while moths are most active at night.

2. The lifecycle of a butterfly is in four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa and adult butterfly.

3. Most butterflies don’t live very long. The Priam’s birdwing butterfly only lives for 10 days!

4. Butterflies have four wings, not two as you may think.

5. The wings of butterflies and moths, with their vibrant colours and patterns, are actually made up of tiny scales.

6. The largest butterfly in the world is the female Queen Alexandra’s birdwingwith a wingspan of over 25cm!

Butterfly facts for kids
Illustration: Ben Rothery / Sensational Butterflies

7. The smallest butterfly is the Western Blue Pigmy, which is only 2cm across.

8. Butterflies need heat to be able to move. When you see them resting in the sunshine, they are warming up their wings so they can fly.

Butterfly facts for kids
Illustration: Ben Rothery / Sensational Butterflies

9. Moths have a stronger sense of smell than butterflies.

10. Butterflies can see colours that humans can’t.

11. Moths navigate using the moon. This means they also are attracted to man-made lights, which cause them to get lost.

12. Butterflies taste with their feet!

Explore more of the animal world

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