Insects are not only the most diverse subgroup of arthropods, but with over a million discovered species it is the most diverse group of animals on earth. Although they can’t all be as beautiful as a butterfly, they all play important roles in their ecosystems—just think of where we would be without bees!


The segmented exoskeletons of insects have a hard, inner layer called the cuticle, and a water-resistant outside layer called the exocuticle. Insects are divided into two major groups: winged insects and wingless insects. Air is taken in through structures called spirials, and delivered directly to the body.



Most insects reproduce sexually and are oviparous (hatch from eggs after the eggs are laid), although some insects reproduce asexually.


You can grow your own butterflies using a premade kit from Home Training Tools!


Have a question ?

Tell us what you're thinking...

Comments

7 Responses to “Butterfly Life Cycle”

  1. emilyannejon says:

    We once raised some butterflies. One didn’t make it, but when the rest came out of their cocoon I noticed blood stains on the net and flooring. In the video it said the butterfly will let their wings dry “then secrete red dye left over from the formation of the wings”. I don’t understand how their wings can drip coloring everywhere. .. Do scientist know how Butterflies go in without wings, then come out with colorful wings?

  2. Tonya Thomas says:

    cooool

  3. Donna Ruggiero says:

    Are there any black and white butterflies?
    Thank you.
    Nassir

  4. Ching-Yu Hsu says:

    cool! We raised painted ladies before!

  5. No, butterflies are insects. Mammals are warm-blodded vertebrates that have hair (or fur), and are capable of nursing their young.

  6. Wendy Beard says:

    Butterflies! Are they mammals? 😛