Butorflēoge

The word "butterfly" apparently comes from the Old English word butorflēoge, the butterfly; similar words in Old German and Old Dutch lead to the conclusion that the name dates to antiquity. Many believe that the name originated because butterflies were flying in pastures during the spring and summer when the grass was lush, cows gave a lot of milk and the winter’s supply of butter was produced from the abundance of milk.

There are competing theories about the origin of the word butterfly, but wherever and whenever the word originated, few would deny that butterflies are beautiful creatures.

As with many insects, butterflies have a somewhat complex life-cycle. Impregnated females lay their eggs on the food plants that the larvae prefer. When the eggs hatch the larvae feed and go through several stages (instars) as they grow, shedding each time. As the larvae finish their growth they pupate in what’s known as a chrysalis, they then metamorphose and emerge as butterflies.

Many butterfly species spend the winter in the egg stage, some as a chrysalis, some hibernate as adults and others actually migrate. The monarch is the best known, but not the only, species of butterfly that migrates.

Enjoy the beauty of butterflies –

Yes, enjoy the beauty of butterflies for as the weather cools and winter approaches butterflies will disappear from the meadows. Habitat loss from intensive agriculture, manicured lawns and industrial development means there are fewer butterflies each year – enjoy them while you can.