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Butterfly Vocabulary
Abdomen- long part of the body, behind the wings of a butterfly. Adult- final stage of the butterfly with a head, a middle part called a thorax and an abdomen. Antennae- structures on an adult butterfly head used to feel and smell. Camouflage- a successful strategy to avoid an early death by being able to hide in their surroundings. Caterpillar or larva- hatches from the egg of a butterfly. Cocoons- the pupa stage of a moth; follows after the larval stage. Egg- the starting stage of the butterfly; eggs are laid by the female. Head- part of caterpillar or insect which contains eyes, antennae and mouth parts, other sensory organs and feeding mechanism; spinnerets used to spin silk, are tiny pegs located under the mouth. Larva or caterpillar- hatches from the egg of a butterfly. Lepidoptera- family of insects which contains butterflies and moths. Meconium- a reddish fluid that butterflies and moths eject after they leave the chyrsalis. Metamorphosis- the way in which an egg changes to a larva, then to a pupa and finally into an adult. Molts- discards of the caterpillar exoskeleton. Moths- not butterflies, but insects with a more plump and furry body than those of butterflies. Nectar- sweet juice taken from flowers and used as food by the adult butterfly. Proboscis- a tube used for drinking nectar; found on the head of the adult butterfly. Prolegs- Back legs of caterpillar with suction cups for gripping; not visible on the adult. Pupa- the developing butterfly within the chrysalis. Setae- Bristles or hair on caterpillar for protection against changes in the environment. Spiracles- Breathing holes for respiration on insects and caterpillars. Thorax- on the adult butterfly,located behind the head; the part of the body where the wings join. True legs- front legs of caterpillar; they are clasping and stay throughout all stages.
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