Butterflies: Glossary

A

abdomen

the part of the body that contains the stomach and intestines

antennae

an organ attached to the head of an insect which is sensitive to feelings and sometimes odors

C

complex

complicated

compound eyes

an eye with hundreds of light sensitive parts

D

distinctly

clearly

diverse

in various forms

E

exoskeleton

a hard outer structure, such as the shell of an insect, that provides protection or support for an organism

F

forewings

the front wings

G

generations

the average span of time between the birth of parents and that of their offspring

H

herbivores

animals whose diet consists of plant life

I

invisible

unable to be seen

L

Lepidoptera

insects with four scaly wings

M

metamorphosis

a complete change of physical form

mimicry

to copy in order to protect from predators

N

nectar

A liquid which forms in the center of flowers — a major food for adult butterflies

neutral color scheme

a set of colors which blend into the background — not bright

numerous

many

P

predators

animals that hunt other animals for food

process

a series of changes

R

recognizable

to identify from memory

S

sections

parts or portions

sheltered location

a protected place

specimens

examples

symmetrical

two halves appear the same

T

thorax

the part of an insect that holds the legs and wings — between the abdomen and head