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. It spends most of its time eating. When caterpillars grow too big for their skin, they shed it. This process is called molting.