Download Butterflies - Sites@Duke

Did you know? There are 175 species of butterflies in North Carolina!
Here are some common ones for around our garden:
What do you know about butterflies? Find a partner and share what
you know about butterflies.
Now let’s look for some butterfly related things! Take a walk
around the garden and really look out for butterfly things.
Can you find a caterpillar?
The caterpillar (or larva) is the long, worm-like stage of the butterfly or moth. It often
has an interesting pattern of stripes or patches, and it may have spine-like hairs. It is the
feeding and growth stage. As it grows, it sheds its skin four or more times so as to
enclose its rapidly growing body. Look for him on leaves or the ground munching on
some food.
Can you see a chrysalis?
The chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation stage within which the caterpillar tissues
are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed. The chrysalis of most
species is brown or green and blends into the background. Look carefully in trees and on
leaves for these!
Can you see a butterfly?
The adult (or imago) is the colorful butterfly or moth usually seen. In this stage, the
butterflies will lay eggs and move locations. They can fly, so look for them in the sky or
resting on the leaves of low plants.
Can you find a plant that butterflies love?
Try looking for low plants such as common milkweed, garlic chives, marigold, and the
butterfly bush! Butterflies like to eat the sweet nectar in flowers, so look for plants with
big, inviting flowers. What plants would you like if you were a butterfly?