~ Beautiful Butterflies ~
Butterflies have been called the harbingers of climate change, in that their migration patterns have noticeably changed due to warming temperatures.
Climate change and habitat loss are battering butterflies, which are so important to plant pollination, to the health of other species who feed on them, and to us - who adore watching them. Here's a look at the gorgeous insects that brighten up our world.
By Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California
Glasswing Butterfly
wwarby
Butterflies have an interesting - and symbolic - transition from egg to fully fledged butterfly. This Monarch caterpillar is filling up, getting ready for the chrysalis phase. It needs its strength, since once it hatches as a butterfly, it will have to make an incredible journey.
Lynda W1
wsilver
wwarby
Butterflies usually stand out, but many species are experts at fading into the background, like this Owl butterfly at the London Butterfly House in Syon Park.
wwarby
ahisgett
joka2000(out)
Lukjonis
This Lime Butterfly actually goes by several names based on what food it gathers, which is usually citrus.
Other names for the butterfly include the Lemon Butterfly, the Small Citrus Butterfly, the Chequered Swallowtail and the Dingy Swallowtail.
B_cool
Lukjonis
treehugger
Butterflies have been called the harbingers of climate change, in that their migration patterns have noticeably changed due to warming temperatures.
Climate change and habitat loss are battering butterflies, which are so important to plant pollination, to the health of other species who feed on them, and to us - who adore watching them. Here's a look at the gorgeous insects that brighten up our world.
By Jaymi Heimbuch, San Francisco, California
Glasswing Butterfly
wwarby
Butterflies have an interesting - and symbolic - transition from egg to fully fledged butterfly. This Monarch caterpillar is filling up, getting ready for the chrysalis phase. It needs its strength, since once it hatches as a butterfly, it will have to make an incredible journey.
Lynda W1
wsilver
wwarby
Butterflies usually stand out, but many species are experts at fading into the background, like this Owl butterfly at the London Butterfly House in Syon Park.
wwarby
ahisgett
joka2000(out)
Lukjonis
This Lime Butterfly actually goes by several names based on what food it gathers, which is usually citrus.
Other names for the butterfly include the Lemon Butterfly, the Small Citrus Butterfly, the Chequered Swallowtail and the Dingy Swallowtail.
B_cool
Lukjonis
treehugger
