Butterflies and Moths

22

Looking at legs

Like all insects, butterflies and moths have three pairs

of legs, which are attached to the thorax. Each leg is

divided into four different sections hinged to each

other for easy movement. They use their legs for

walking and for landing on leaves and flowers. Once

they’ve landed, they use their feet to taste the leaves.

Spiky spines

This eyed hawk-moth

has tiny backward-

facing spines on the

lower part of its six

legs. They dig in if

an enemy attacks.

When at rest, this

moth keeps its

legs perfectly still

and pretends to

be a dead leaf.

Leg shell

Look for three pairs of legs at the front

of a caterpillar’s body. These become

the true legs of a butterfly or moth. The

adult’s leg muscles are on the inside of

a tough shell called an exoskeleton. The

leg ends in a claw for gripping twigs.

Hinge

joint

The tibia (lower

leg) has lots of

hairs and spines.

Muscular

femur (thigh)

US_022-023_Looking_at_legs.indd 22 11/10/17 3:38 pm