Butterflies
Last Review/Updated: May 31, 2002
Butterflies
and moths are insects with large and colorful wings. There are about
130 species of butterflies in Alberta, which breed wherever there is
suitable vegetation. The caterpillars of some butterflies feed on only
one kind of plant. Caterpillars hatch from eggs, and grow larger by
a series of moults, or skin-sheddings. They turn into pupae when they
have reached their largest size. The pupa is a resting stage before
the final change into a butterfly. In Alberta, most species overwinter
either as pupae or adults. Caterpillars are often used as food by predators,
especially birds. Alberta's smallest butterfly is about 15 mm (0.6
in.) from wing tip to wing tip, and the largest is over 100 mm (4 in.).
Except for the cabbage butterfly, whose caterpillar destroys many garden
vegetables, few butterflies are of economic importance.
