




A
butterfly is an insect of the order
Lepidoptera. Like all
Lepidoptera,
butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a
familiar and colourful winged adult form. Most species are day-flying so they regularly attract attention. The diverse patterns formed by their brightly coloured wings and their erratic yet graceful
flight have made
butterfly watching a hobby.
Butterflies comprise the true butterflies (superfamily
Papilionoidea), the skippers (superfamily
Hesperioidea) and the moth-
butterflies (superfamily
Hedyloidea).
Butterflies exhibit polymorphism, mimicry and aposematism. Some migrate over long distances. Some
butterflies have evolved symbiotic and parasitic relationships with social insects such as ants.
Butterflies are important economically as agents of pollination. In addition, a few species are pests, because they can damage domestic crops and trees in their larval stage.
Culturally,
butterflies are a popular motif in the visual and literary arts.