There are 56 native species of butterfly currently resident in Great Britain.

Butterflies used to be known as 'Flutter-bys'

It is thought that butterflies got their name from the yellow Brimstone butterfly, that has both a butter-like colouring and was first seen in early spring during the 'butter' season.

Male butterflies attract females by releasing pheromone chemicals (scent) from their abdomen. 

Survival

• When folded, a butterfly's wings are usually much less colourful, providing instant camouflage from would-be predators.
• Only a few adult butterflies are capable of surviving the Great British winter as they are unable to endure our cold temperatures.
• Because few animals graze on nettles, butterflies lay eggs on their leaves to provide better protection for the subsequent caterpillars.
• Some butterflies use Batesian mimicry - edible butterflies display the wing patterns of inedible butterflies to protect themselves against potential predators.
• Several butterflies, including the Peacock, display large eyespots to fool predators into thinking that they are larger insects.
• Eyespots also draw attention away from the butterfly's vital body parts and toward less essential areas, such as the tips of their wings.
• Living for 9-10 months, the Brimstone has the longest lifespan of any British butterfly  

Feeding

• Butterflies take in nectar and fluid through a proboscis, which is like a coiled straw when not in use.
• Butterflies taste with their feet!

Travellers

• Many of the butterflies seen in Great Britain during the summer months will have made their journey from Europe or Africa.
• Butterflies are found on every land mass on earth, except for the continent of Antartica

Prey

• The caterpillars of the Large Blue will be taken into an ants nest where they will eat the ant offspring.
• Large blue caterpillars are cannibals and will often eat their own kind.
• The female Apanteles wasp lays eggs into the body of the Cabbage White caterpillar, using it as a host for these parasitic wasps.

A Butterfly's View of the World

• Butterflies can only see the colours red, green and yellow.
• Most butterflies have a preference for shades of red - with pink, red and purple flowers being especially popular.
• Along with red flowers, butterflies are also keen on yellow flowers.

Anatomically Speaking

• As with all insects, butterflies have their skeletons on the outside of their bodies. This is called an exoskeleton.