Butterflies+and+Moths

A Student's Guide to Butterflies
 * A series of modules allows you to learn all about the butterfly. An interactive table of contents lets you jump from one module to another in any order you choose. You have the option of learning about a butterfly's physiology, reproduction, developmental stages, relationship with plants, and defense mechanisms. There is also a module that shows you the differences between a butterfly and a moth. Interesting facts can be found in text boxes throughout the modules.
 * URL: http://www.butterflyfarm.co.cr


 * This Alien Profile of the Gypsy moth explains to you many facts and information about this type of moth. You will learn about the introduction of this moth into the United States and its rapid westward spread, how to identify it, where they are found, techniques to suppress an outbreak of moths, and tips for people to help stop the spread. Several supplementary material pieces are helpful in illustrating the rapid spread of the insect, telling you what they do and don't like to eat, and showing you photographs of its life cycle stages.
 * URL: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us

Black Swallowtail Butterfly: Papilio polyxenes
 * This guide from the Wildlife Journal Junior web site has information about the black swallowtail butterfly. A box contains all of the classification information for the butterfly. Get a description of the physical characteristics of this butterfly species and see photographs. A map shows the range where this insect is found and there is a description of its habitat. You can read facts about the black swallowtail diet and about the lifecycle of this beautiful butterfly.
 * URL: http://www.nhptv.org

Black Swallowtail, Eastern
 * A general description of the black swallowtail butterfly is available at the web site of the Florida Museum of Natural History. See photographs of both the male and female black swallowtail butterfly and find out what their differences are. There is also a photo of the black swallowtail caterpillar. Learn about the life cycle of the black swallowtail butterfly and find out in which type of habitat this insect is found. A list of larval host plants is included.
 * URL: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu

Butterflies at the Field Museum
 * Witness the enchanting world of the butterfly that is part of an online exhibit from the Field Museum. Tour the butterfly and moth collection and see the vibrant and detailed colors while you learn about these specimens that come from all over the world. Learn about the habitats of these amazing creatures, and learn about basic, yet somewhat mysterious facts about both butterflies and moths. You'll be amazed at the beauty that can be enjoyed and how much you will learn online.
 * URL: http://www.fieldmuseum.org

Gypsy Moth in North America
 * The gypsy moth's caterpillars feed by the thousands on hundreds of different tree species. They have defoliated entire forests. Here you can learn about their life cycle, natural enemies, how they spread and how humans are trying to slow that spread. Pictures of the gypsy moth in many of its stages, as well as maps of its distribution in the United States are also here.
 * URL: http://www.fs.fed.us

How Butterfly Gardens Work
 * Butterfly gardens can attract butterflies and they also can help conserve this insect species. Find out the different ways in which the butterfly benefits humans. Get some background information on butterflies and find what threatens them. As you learn about butterfly garden design, you will also learn about the food sources that must be supplied for caterpillars and butterflies. Learn which maintenance chores need to be done a regular basis and see how to keep a butterfly garden in good shape.
 * URL: http://tlc.howstuffworks.com

How to Create a Butterfly Garden
 * With just ten steps to follow, you can create your own butterfly garden. Take a look at the stages of the butterfly life cycle to understand how butterflies use different kinds of plants at different stages. Get help with choosing a good site for a butterfly garden and then learn your local butterflies. There are tips on designing a habitat and on choosing plants for feeding butterflies. See what kind of shelter to provide and how to create a space for egg laying. You will learn why a mud puddle is important and why you should steer clear of pesticides.
 * URL: http://www.butterflies.org

Insects: Butterfly
 * You may find it a surprise that butterflies are technically a type of moth. At the San Diego Zoo you can explore this insect further, starting off with an excellent description listing the similarities and differences between butterflies and the moths most people generally think of when they hear that term. You will examine the life cycle of the butterfly from the egg and caterpillar stage through its miraculous metamorphosis. Finally you will read about the physical makeup of a butterfly including details about its wings, sensory traits, and speed capabilities.
 * URL: http://www.sandiegozoo.org

Jumping Bean Moth
 * The insect profile, "Jumping Bean Moth" available from the "Insect lorepeida" at Insect Lore, also explains its role in the origin of the Mexican jumping bean. The basic information about the jumping bean moth includes phylogeny, a map showing its distribution and range, and photographs of a full-grown moth and the Sebastiana plant seedpods where the moth larvae survive and grow until metamorphosis. The article also provides a detailed description of the behavioral characteristics of the Mexican jumping bean during this larval stage, including how the beans are created and some possible explanations for the movements.
 * URL: http://www.insectlore.com

Monarchs and Migration URL: http://www.smm.org
 * The Science Museum of Minnesota and the Science Learning Network brings you this web page about monarch butterflies. This site provides ten things you can do to investigate butterflies. For example, you can raise butterflies, which is explained at this web page. Or, you can create your own butterfly picture books. An outlined procedure is explained here. Or, you can talk to people who like butterflies. For more ideas, visit this informative web page. Before you leave the site, check out the Butterfly Gallery.