Butterflies and Moths

14

Make a butterfly

Butterfly and moth wings look very thin and fragile,

but they are really quite strong. A network of veins

supports the wings just like the plastic rods in a kite.

You can make your own butterfly or moth kite and

decorate the wings with colorful patterns. You’ll need

paper, scissors, glue, markers, paper straws, and string.

Chinese kites

Many Chinese butterflies

have big, colorful wings.

Thousands of years ago,

their beauty and grace

inspired expert kite-makers

in China.

Vein patterns

Butterflies and moths have a special pattern

of veins in their wings. This pattern helps

scientists identify them. The veins stiffen the

wing and keep it in the right position for flying.

Notice the different vein

pattern in this butterfly’s

wing, compared to the

moth’s wing.

Many moths have long

front wings, which help

them glide with ease.

Paris

peacock

butterfly

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