Butterflies and Moths

16

Fluttering and gliding

Depending on the shape of their wings, butterflies and

moths make different patterns as they fly. If their wings

are long and thin they fly fast and straight, but if they

have large wide wings they just flutter about. Some

butterflies glide on currents of air—just one flap

and they can sail through the sky for a long time.

Light landing

Holding its

wings out wide

like a parachute,

a butterfly gently

drops before

landing on its legs.

Loop the loop

If you take a walk through

a forest glade and see one

butterfly looping around

another, you may have spotted

a pair of silver-washed fritillaries.

The male flies below the female,

to pass his scents under her

antennae. These scents will

eventually persuade the

female to mate with him.

The female flaps her

wings quickly, trying to

avoid the male below.

As the male lifts his

wings, they push air

backward, so that the

butterfly moves forward.

US_016-017_Fluttering_and_gliding.indd 16 11/10/17 3:33 pm