Lepidopteran Anatomy

Like all insects, butterflies, skippers and moths have bodies composed of many segments grouped into three distinct body regions: head, thorax and abdomen.

The head.  All Lepidoptera have a proboscis - a slender tube through which they suck nectar and other fluids.  When not in use it is kept tightly coiled beneath the front of the head.

A pair of antennae, or s-called "feelers" are also located on the head - they are used to feel, smell and hear.  Two large compound eyes, each made up of thousands of individual eyes, are located on the side of the head near the top.  Unlike humans, butterflies and moths see ultravilet (UV) wavelengths and see the broadest range of colors of all animals.

The thorax.  Three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings are attached to the thorax.  The wings are generally quite broad and hooked together.  They are also coverd with overlapping rows of colorful scales (flattened hairs).  A butterflies taste buds are located on their feet, and are used to find nectar plants and select suitable plants on which to lay eggs.

The abdomen.  The sides of the abdomen (and thorax) are fitted with tiny breathing holes called spiracles.  These openings are connected to tubular trachea which allow the air to travel into the interior of the insect.

Anatomy of the adult butterfly

Anatomy of a caterpillar

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