The head of a butterfly has two eyes, a pair of antennae, and a tongue called a proboscis. Butterflies uncoil the proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. The middle part of a butterfly's body is called the thorax. Six legs and wings are attached to the thorax. The abdomen contains organs for digestion and reproduction.
Butterflies fly only during the day, although some fly at dusk.
Because butterflies are cold blooded, they are affected by climate. Their ranges are linked closely with temperature, precipitation, and host food plants. Eggs vary in color and texture from one species to another. After 4 or 5 days, the egg is ready to hatch. The caterpillar, or larvae, eats its way out of the egg.