Butterfly

:For other uses of the term "butterfly", see butterfly (disambiguation).

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• Superfamily Hesperioidea:
  
• Hesperiidae
  
• Superfamily Papilionoidea:
  
• Papilionidae
  
• Pieridae
  
• Nymphalidae
  
• Lycaenidae
  
• Riodinidae
  

A butterfly is a flying insect of the order Lepidoptera belonging to one of the superfamilies Hesperioidea (the skippers) and Papilionoidea (all other butterflies). Some authors would include also members of the superfamily Hedyloidea, the American butterfly moths. Many butterflies have striking colours and patterns on their wings. When touched by humans they tend to lose small numbers of scales, that look like a fine powder. If they lose too many scales the butterfly's ability to fly will be impaired. People who study or collect butterflies (or the closely related moths) are called lepidopterists. Butterfly watching is growing in popularity as a hobby.

Related Topics:
Insect - Lepidoptera - Superfamilies - Hesperioidea - Papilionoidea - Hedyloidea - Moth - Lepidopterists - Butterfly watching - Hobby

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Butterfly: The four stages in the lifecycle of a butterfly ►