10 Butterfly Facts That Show Just How Incredible They Truly Are

Butterflies are one of the most beloved insects. With their beautiful colors, they dazzle and amaze all who behold them. However, there is more to this insect than just its beauty. Here are 10 fascinating butterfly facts that showcase their incredible nature.

1. Butterflies Taste With Their Feet

I know, this is one of those butterfly facts that seems so odd, but it is true. Reader's Digest shares that despite their long, tubular tongue, butterflies do not taste with their mouths. Instead, it is their feet that give them the flavor of the flower. They use this "flavor" to determine not only what type of flower they have landed on, but also if their caterpillars will be able to eat it.

2. Butterflies Don't See In Black And White

While humans often assume that seeing in color is a skill reserved for them, butterflies can also see specific colors. They can see red, yellow, and green. The ability to see these colors helps them find food, mates, and avoid predators.

3. Body Temperature Is Extremely Important

According to the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, these beautiful winged creatures cannot fly if their body temperature falls below 86°F. If they are too cool, you may find them basking in the sun, in an attempt to warm themselves up and prepare for flight.

4. Butterflies Are Found On Every Continent Except One

Given the most recent butterfly fact, I am sure you can guess which continent is butterfly-free. That's right, Antarctica has no butterflies! How sad! However, it makes sense; it is far too cold there for them to thrive.

5. Butterflies Have Their Skeletons On The Outside of Their Body

While this sounds terrifying, it is the case for many insects. This is called an exoskeleton. Having their skeleton on the outside helps protect them and keep water inside their bodies so they do not dry out.

6. Butterflies Are The Only Insects With Scaly Wings

According to the London Zoo, this is one of those butterfly facts that sets them apart from the rest of the insects. Each of their four wings are not only brightly colored, but covered in tiny scales. They are the only insects with scaly wings.

7. They Are Great Pollinators

This may be one of those butterfly facts that you already knew. But in case you didn't, here it is. Most butterflies feed on nectar from flowers. Many plants and flowers rely on these fabulous pollinators to transfer pollen from them to other flowers.

8. The Monarch Butterfly Travels Very Far

The London Zoo shares this incredible fact. "The North American black and orange Monarch Butterfly is the only insect known to be able to fly over 2500 miles." That is quite an impressive distance for such a small insect! Most butterflies migrate to avoid the freezing conditions of the north during winter.

9. Only A Small Portion Of Butterfly Species Are Found In The U.S.

While you may think you have seen a large variety of butterflies, there are so many more. Only about 4 percent of the world's butterfly species are found in the United States. Just imagine what sorts of beautiful butterflies exist in other countries!

10. Most Adult Butterflies Only Live 1-2 Weeks

Talk about a short lifespan! It may not seem this way, because we can see butterflies so often, but their lives are quite short. Their growth process is often longer than their adult lifespan. The butterfly life cycle has four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and finally adult butterfly.