The following questions were answered by Dr. Paul A. Opler, Professor, Department of Bioagricultural Sciences, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, and Emeritus Scientist, BRD-USGS
Please read carefully through all questions before you submit a question. Your question(s) may have already been answered.
General Questions
- What are butterflies and moths?
- How many kinds of butterflies and moths exist?
- What is the difference between butterflies and moths?
- Are there endangered butterflies and moths?
- Are butterflies poisonous?
- Which butterflies are poisonous?
- Why are butterflies and moths such good insects?
- How did butterflies get their English name?
- How do you say "butterfly" in other languages?
- How do I identify a caterpillar?
- How much do butterflies weigh?
- How long do butterflies live?
- Do butterflies have brains and hearts?
- Are butterflies and moths pollinators?
Questions About the Butterfly and Moth Life Cycle
- What is the life cycle of butterflies and moths?
- How does a caterpillar turn into a butterfly?
- Why do caterpillars turn into butterflies?
- How do caterpillars "know" when it is time to turn into a chrysalis?
- What is the red liquid that comes out of a butterfly's abdomen after emergence?
- Do caterpillars breathe in their chrysalis?
- What is the difference between a chrysalis and a cocoon?
- Does a butterfly eat the chrysalis after it emerges?
Questions About Butterfly or Moth Appearance
- Why are butterfly and moth wings so delicate?
- Why do some butterfly and moth wings have such brilliant colors?
- Do caterpillars have teeth?
- Do caterpillars or butterflies have ears?
- Why do butterflies have dust on their wings?
- Do butterflies look the same on both sides?
- How does one tell the difference between male and female butterflies?
- How many legs does a caterpillar have?
- Why do some caterpillars have such funny colors?
- Can you tell a moth caterpillar from a butterfly caterpillar?
Questions About Butterfly and Moth Behavior
- How do butterflies go to the bathroom?
- Do butterflies eat bugs?
- What do butterflies eat?
- How do butterflies mate?
- How do butterflies communicate?
- How do butterflies fly?
- How high and fast do butterflies fly?
- Do caterpillars drink water?
- Do butterflies sleep or take brief naps?
- Where do butterflies go when it rains?
- Do caterpillars hide somewhere at night?
- How do butterflies stay warm?
- How do butterflies bathe?
Questions About Catching and Handling Butterflies and Moths
