Have you ever wondered if caterpillars have teeth? How high butterflies can fly? On these pages, find in-depth information about the behavior, appearance, life cycle, and handling of butterflies and moths.

Questions are answered by renowned lepidopterist Paul Opler (author of several Peterson Field Guides). If you want to ask a question, scroll to the bottom for Paul's contact information.

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

• Where can I find butterflies and moths?
• How can I catch a butterfly or moth?
• Where can I buy caterpillars?
• How can I raise a caterpillar?
• Can you damage a butterfly by handling it?
• Are any caterpillars dangerous to hold?