A Science 21 Reader. A Science 21 Reader. Written by Dr. Helen Pashley With photographs by Lori Adams

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1 The Third Grade Book of Questions and Answers about Butterflies A Science 21 Reader Written by Dr. Helen Pashley With photographs by Lori Adams For Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES 2007 The Third Grade Book of Questions and Answers about Butterflies A Science 21 Reader Written by Dr. Helen Pashley With photographs by Lori Adams For Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES 2007

2 Why a Question and Answer Book? The intention of this book is not to provide basic information about butterflies. This can readily be found from many sources, both in print and on the Internet. Your students often ask profound questions. The questions answered in this book came from 3rd graders using Science 21. Inquiry science always leads to more questions. However answering many of them, requires dipping into college level entomology textbooks. These texts are not readily understood by your average, curious 3rd grader! This book attempts to bridge the gap between the basic and the too complex, and to explain the information in a form that the students will understand. Dr. Helen Pashley Why a Question and Answer Book? The intention of this book is not to provide basic information about butterflies. This can readily be found from many sources, both in print and on the Internet. Your students often ask profound questions. The questions answered in this book came from 3rd graders using Science 21. Inquiry science always leads to more questions. However answering many of them, requires dipping into college level entomology textbooks. These texts are not readily understood by your average, curious 3rd grader! This book attempts to bridge the gap between the basic and the too complex, and to explain the information in a form that the students will understand. Dr. Helen Pashley

3 What do our classroom caterpillars eat? They eat wheat germ and soy bean paste. It is flavored with a herb called Thyme. Our caterpillars are bred to eat this culture medium because it might be hard for some schools to find the right kind of leaves for them to eat. What do our classroom caterpillars eat? They eat wheat germ and soy bean paste. It is flavored with a herb called Thyme. Our caterpillars are bred to eat this culture medium because it might be hard for some schools to find the right kind of leaves for them to eat.

5 Why does the food turn into pellets or round balls? When the larvae eat the paste, they digest it. They use the nutrients for energy to move and grow. The food they do not use is waste. It looks like small balls. The waste is called frass. frass Why does the food turn into pellets or round balls? When the larvae eat the paste, they digest it. They use the nutrients for energy to move and grow. The food they do not use is waste. It looks like small balls. The waste is called frass. frass

7 What do caterpillars eat in their natural habitat? Caterpillars eat leaves. Each kind has just a few plants they use as food. If the larvae can t find the right food, they will die. The female butterfly seeks out the right plant by smell and lays her eggs there. When the eggs hatch, they will have the right food to eat. Painted Lady caterpillars love Thistles, Hollyhocks and Mallow leaves. How do we give a caterpillar the right food if we find one? If you find a caterpillar eating a leaf, it is the right food. If it is just walking, leave it where it is. You do not know which kind of plant it needs to grow and thrive. What do caterpillars eat in their natural habitat? Caterpillars eat leaves. Each kind has just a few plants they use as food. If the larvae can t find the right food, they will die. The female butterfly seeks out the right plant by smell and lays her eggs there. When the eggs hatch, they will have the right food to eat. Painted Lady caterpillars love Thistles, Hollyhocks and Mallow leaves. How do we give a caterpillar the right food if we find one? If you find a caterpillar eating a leaf, it is the right food. If it is just walking, leave it where it is. You do not know which kind of plant it needs to grow and thrive.

9 Why do the larvae have two kinds of legs? clasper Caterpillars have 3 pairs of legs on the thorax. These are true legs. They will develop into the legs you see on an adult butterfly. They hold the leaf when the larva is eating. They also have 4 pairs of pro-legs and two claspers on the abdomen. These are only found on the larva. They work like suckers. They help the larva climb. Pro-legs have a firm grip so the larva does not fall off the leaf. pro-leg leg Why do the larvae have two kinds of legs? clasper Caterpillars have 3 pairs of legs on the thorax. These are true legs. They will develop into the legs you see on an adult butterfly. They hold the leaf when the larva is eating. They also have 4 pairs of pro-legs and two claspers on the abdomen. These are only found on the larva. They work like suckers. They help the larva climb. Pro-legs have a firm grip so the larva does not fall off the leaf. pro-leg leg

11 Why do larvae look so different from adults? Butterflies are animals that show metamorphosis, a change in body form from one stage to another. They are adapted to survive in different habitats during their lifespan. The larvae are eating machines. They eat and grow quickly. Adults have colorful wings. They fly to find a mate and new plants to lay their eggs. They feed on sugary nectar collected from flowers, which is a good source of energy. Why do larvae look so different from adults? Butterflies are animals that show metamorphosis, a change in body form from one stage to another. They are adapted to survive in different habitats during their lifespan. The larvae are eating machines. They eat and grow quickly. Adults have colorful wings. They fly to find a mate and new plants to lay their eggs. They feed on sugary nectar collected from flowers, which is a good source of energy.

13 What is the white webbing? The larvae make silk webs with their mouths to help them climb. Painted Lady larvae use silk to hold the edges of leaves together. This protects them from predators. In the vials they still make this silk. Many other larvae spin silk. You may have seen the webs of Tent Caterpillars in trees. Butterfly larvae may use silk to hold their chrysalis firmly to a twig when they molt. Moth caterpillars use silk to spin a cocoon around their chrysalis. Silk cloth is made from the threads of moth cocoons. What is the white webbing? The larvae make silk webs with their mouths to help them climb. Painted Lady larvae use silk to hold the edges of leaves together. This protects them from predators. In the vials they still make this silk. Many other larvae spin silk. You may have seen the webs of Tent Caterpillars in trees. Butterfly larvae may use silk to hold their chrysalis firmly to a twig when they molt. Moth caterpillars use silk to spin a cocoon around their chrysalis. Silk cloth is made from the threads of moth cocoons.

Why do some caterpillars die? In the natural habitat caterpillars may die from several causes. Parasitic wasps may lay their eggs in the caterpillar. The wasp larvae eat the caterpillar and kill it.

15 Why do some caterpillars die? In the natural habitat caterpillars may die from several causes. Parasitic wasps may lay their eggs in the caterpillar. The wasp larvae eat the caterpillar and kill it. Caterpillars can get sick from diseases such as bacterial and fungal infections. If they don t recover, they may die. Larvae may be sick before they are sent to us and die after they arrive. Sometimes the food that they are given is contaminated. The caterpillars get food poisoning and may die. Why do some caterpillars die? In the natural habitat caterpillars may die from several causes. Parasitic wasps may lay their eggs in the caterpillar. The wasp larvae eat the caterpillar and kill it. Caterpillars can get sick from diseases such as bacterial and fungal infections. If they don t recover, they may die. Larvae may be sick before they are sent to us and die after they arrive. Sometimes the food that they are given is contaminated. The caterpillars get food poisoning and may die.

17 Do caterpillars have wings inside? Caterpillars do not have fully formed wings inside of them. But they do have the parts (cells) that will grow into wings when they are at the chrysalis stage. What is the chrysalis made of? The outside of the chrysalis is made of proteins and a tough material called chitin. Chitin is like the material in your fingernails. Do caterpillars have wings inside? Caterpillars do not have fully formed wings inside of them. But they do have the parts (cells) that will grow into wings when they are at the chrysalis stage. What is the chrysalis made of? The outside of the chrysalis is made of proteins and a tough material called chitin. Chitin is like the material in your fingernails.

19 What should we do if a chrysalis falls off the ceiling of the butterfly cage? We should put it back onto the ceiling with tape or glue. If we do not, and the adult emerges, its wings may not be able to unfold properly. Why don t some butterflies emerge from the chrysalis? Some butterflies may have died from an illness inside the chrysalis. When a butterfly changes from a caterpillar to an adult, the whole body has to change. If this does not happen perfectly, the butterfly won t hatch. If the chrysalis becomes too dry, the butterfly may die inside. What should we do if a chrysalis falls off the ceiling of the butterfly cage? We should put it back onto the ceiling with tape or glue. If we do not, and the adult emerges, its wings may not be able to unfold properly. Why don t some butterflies emerge from the chrysalis? Some butterflies may have died from an illness inside the chrysalis. When a butterfly changes from a caterpillar to an adult, the whole body has to change. If this does not happen perfectly, the butterfly won t hatch. If the chrysalis becomes too dry, the butterfly may die inside.

What causes deformities in butterfly wings? When a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, its wings are small, folded up and wet. The butterfly pumps blood into the veins. The wings unfold.

21 What causes deformities in butterfly wings? When a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, its wings are small, folded up and wet. The butterfly pumps blood into the veins. The wings unfold. They often hang upside down to let the wings dry and harden. Then it is ready to fly. If the chrysalis falls off the ceiling of the butterfly house, the wet wings might stick to the floor or the chrysalis covering. If this happens the butterfly will not be able to pump up its wings fully. The wings may dry out before they can unfold. The butterfly will never be able to fly. What causes deformities in butterfly wings? When a butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, its wings are small, folded up and wet. The butterfly pumps blood into the veins. The wings unfold. They often hang upside down to let the wings dry and harden. Then it is ready to fly. If the chrysalis falls off the ceiling of the butterfly house, the wet wings might stick to the floor or the chrysalis covering. If this happens the butterfly will not be able to pump up its wings fully. The wings may dry out before they can unfold. The butterfly will never be able to fly.

What can happen if you touch a caterpillar, chrysalis or adult? It is a good idea not to touch a larva because it is so delicate. It is easy to squeeze too hard and hurt it.

If you touch a chrysalis, you may knock it off the ceiling of the butterfly house and then it may not emerge properly.

23 What can happen if you touch a caterpillar, chrysalis or adult? It is a good idea not to touch a larva because it is so delicate. It is easy to squeeze too hard and hurt it. Some caterpillars have spines or hairs that can give you a rash. It is best to use a paintbrush, if you have to pick one up. If you touch a chrysalis, you may knock it off the ceiling of the butterfly house and then it may not emerge properly. If you touch the wings of an adult butterfly, you will brush off the scales and it will not be able to fly well. Occasionally, you have to pick up a butterfly. Let it walk onto your hand, and be very, very gentle. What can happen if you touch a caterpillar, chrysalis or adult? It is a good idea not to touch a larva because it is so delicate. It is easy to squeeze too hard and hurt it. Some caterpillars have spines or hairs that can give you a rash. It is best to use a paintbrush, if you have to pick one up. If you touch a chrysalis, you may knock it off the ceiling of the butterfly house and then it may not emerge properly. If you touch the wings of an adult butterfly, you will brush off the scales and it will not be able to fly well. Occasionally, you have to pick up a butterfly. Let it walk onto your hand, and be very, very gentle.

25 What is the red liquid we see on the bottom of the cage when a butterfly hatches out? The red liquid is called meconium. It is not blood! It is the butterfly s waste that has accumulated in the chrysalis while the butterfly was changing into an adult. meconium What is the red liquid we see on the bottom of the cage when a butterfly hatches out? The red liquid is called meconium. It is not blood! It is the butterfly s waste that has accumulated in the chrysalis while the butterfly was changing into an adult. meconium

How do we care for our butterflies after they emerge from the chrysalis? Once a butterfly has emerged, it needs somewhere to fly without hurting its wings and scraping the scales off.

27 How do we care for our butterflies after they emerge from the chrysalis? Once a butterfly has emerged, it needs somewhere to fly without hurting its wings and scraping the scales off. We can make a butterfly cage for them to stay in or we can buy one. In the cage, they can stretch their wings. We also need to provide twigs or leaves for them to rest on, along with food and drink for them in the form of sugar water. If you want the butterflies to lay eggs you must put Mallow or Hollyhock plants in as well. What are the best houses for butterflies? Butterfly cage Any house will do as long so it has enough space, food and fresh air. How do we care for our butterflies after they emerge from the chrysalis? Once a butterfly has emerged, it needs somewhere to fly without hurting its wings and scraping the scales off. We can make a butterfly cage for them to stay in or we can buy one. In the cage, they can stretch their wings. We also need to provide twigs or leaves for them to rest on, along with food and drink for them in the form of sugar water. If you want the butterflies to lay eggs you must put Mallow or Hollyhock plants in as well. What are the best houses for butterflies? Butterfly cage Any house will do as long so it has enough space, food and fresh air.

What foods do adult butterflies eat? Adults feed on sugary juices. They like nectar in flowers and the sugar water we give them. In their natural habitat, they eat juice from rotting fruit.

29 What foods do adult butterflies eat? Adults feed on sugary juices. They like nectar in flowers and the sugar water we give them. In their natural habitat, they eat juice from rotting fruit. Painted Lady butterflies particularly like plums and tomatoes. They also like to collect minerals from animal droppings and muddy puddles, and salt from sweat. What foods do adult butterflies eat? Adults feed on sugary juices. They like nectar in flowers and the sugar water we give them. In their natural habitat, they eat juice from rotting fruit. Painted Lady butterflies particularly like plums and tomatoes. They also like to collect minerals from animal droppings and muddy puddles, and salt from sweat.

31 Do butterflies have teeth? No, butterflies do not have teeth, but they do have a long tongue like a drinking straw. It is called a proboscis. It is made in two halves that fit together and is specially adapted to suck up nectar. When the butterfly is not feeding, the proboscis rolls up. Some butterflies tongues may be over 10cm long! Do butterflies have teeth? No, butterflies do not have teeth, but they do have a long tongue like a drinking straw. It is called a proboscis. It is made in two halves that fit together and is specially adapted to suck up nectar. When the butterfly is not feeding, the proboscis rolls up. Some butterflies tongues may be over 10cm long!

If we don t overfill the container and the cotton balls stick out, they should be safe.

33 How do we stop butterflies from drowning? Butterflies may get stuck and drown in an open container of sugar water. If we don t overfill the container and the cotton balls stick out, they should be safe. How do we stop butterflies from drowning? Butterflies may get stuck and drown in an open container of sugar water. If we don t overfill the container and the cotton balls stick out, they should be safe.

35 Why do butterflies have different colors? The color of a butterfly depends on its species and it will be the same color as its parents. Sometimes you can see a small variation, such as an extra spot or small patch of color. Very rarely you may get an all white (albino), or all black butterfly, called melanism. Often, the underside of the wings of a butterfly blends in with its surroundings. A predator cannot see the butterfly because its colors are the same as the background. This is called camouflage and protects the butterfly from being eaten. Why do butterflies have different colors? The color of a butterfly depends on its species and it will be the same color as its parents. Sometimes you can see a small variation, such as an extra spot or small patch of color. Very rarely you may get an all white (albino), or all black butterfly, called melanism. Often, the underside of the wings of a butterfly blends in with its surroundings. A predator cannot see the butterfly because its colors are the same as the background. This is called camouflage and protects the butterfly from being eaten.

What causes the colors? Red, yellow, orange and brown colors are caused by the same kind of chemicals that make the colors in carrots or fall leaves.

37 What causes the colors? Red, yellow, orange and brown colors are caused by the same kind of chemicals that make the colors in carrots or fall leaves. Each scale on a butterfly s wing is colored and the pattern is made up from the different colored scales like a mosaic. Blue and green colors are made by scales that split the light like raindrops making a rainbow. Enlarged view of scales seen under a microscope What causes the colors? Red, yellow, orange and brown colors are caused by the same kind of chemicals that make the colors in carrots or fall leaves. Each scale on a butterfly s wing is colored and the pattern is made up from the different colored scales like a mosaic. Blue and green colors are made by scales that split the light like raindrops making a rainbow. Enlarged view of scales seen under a microscope

The end is more rounded on a female. If you look underneath the end of the abdomen, you may see little hooks, one on each side, in a male butterfly. ); female forewing length ranges from 3.0 to 3.

39 How do you know if a butterfly is male or female? It is impossible to tell by looking whether a larva or chrysalis is male or female. Once the chrysalis has hatched into an adult, there are some things you can look for. In Painted Ladies, females are generally larger than males. The abdomen is another clue. The end is more rounded on a female. If you look underneath the end of the abdomen, you may see little hooks, one on each side, in a male butterfly. ); female forewing length ranges from 3.0 to 3.4 cm (mean = 3.ranges from 2.5 to 3.3 cm (mean = 3.0 cm); female forewing length ranges from 3.0 to 3.4 cm (mean = 3.2 cm) How do you know if a butterfly is male or female? It is impossible to tell by looking whether a larva or chrysalis is male or female. Once the chrysalis has hatched into an adult, there are some things you can look for. In Painted Ladies, females are generally larger than males. The abdomen is another clue. The end is more rounded on a female. If you look underneath the end of the abdomen, you may see little hooks, one on each side, in a male butterfly. ); female forewing length ranges from 3.0 to 3.4 cm (mean = 3.ranges from 2.5 to 3.3 cm (mean = 3.0 cm); female forewing length ranges from 3.0 to 3.4 cm (mean = 3.2 cm)

How long should we keep the butterflies before we release them? We should only keep the butterflies until they all emerge. Adult Painted Lady butterflies usually live for 2-3 weeks.

If you have a very big cage, and you can provide the right food plants for the adults, they may be kept and continue their life cycle.

They hatch out when temperatures warm up in the spring. They hatch out when temperatures warm up in the spring.

41 How long should we keep the butterflies before we release them? We should only keep the butterflies until they all emerge. Adult Painted Lady butterflies usually live for 2-3 weeks. They need to fly and find a mate before they die. If they are kept too long, they may damage their wings trying to escape. If you have a very big cage, and you can provide the right food plants for the adults, they may be kept and continue their life cycle. If butterflies die in the fall why do we get new ones in the spring? Some adults migrate north from places where it is warmer. Some survive the winter as eggs or as pupae. They hatch out when temperatures warm up in the spring. How long should we keep the butterflies before we release them? We should only keep the butterflies until they all emerge. Adult Painted Lady butterflies usually live for 2-3 weeks. They need to fly and find a mate before they die. If they are kept too long, they may damage their wings trying to escape. If you have a very big cage, and you can provide the right food plants for the adults, they may be kept and continue their life cycle. If butterflies die in the fall why do we get new ones in the spring? Some adults migrate north from places where it is warmer. Some survive the winter as eggs or as pupae. They hatch out when temperatures warm up in the spring.

How come some butterflies are poisonous? Some butterflies are poisonous, or taste very nasty. They get the poisons from the plants they ate as caterpillars.

43 How come some butterflies are poisonous? Some butterflies are poisonous, or taste very nasty. They get the poisons from the plants they ate as caterpillars. If a predator such as a bird eats a poisonous butterfly, it will get very sick. Even though that butterfly was eaten, the bird learns quickly not to eat that kind of butterfly again. Some butterflies copy the wing patterns of poisonous species. This is called mimicry. They don t get eaten because birds think they are poisonous, too. Poisonous butterflies tend to fly more slowly than non-poisonous ones because they do not have to avoid predators. How come some butterflies are poisonous? Some butterflies are poisonous, or taste very nasty. They get the poisons from the plants they ate as caterpillars. If a predator such as a bird eats a poisonous butterfly, it will get very sick. Even though that butterfly was eaten, the bird learns quickly not to eat that kind of butterfly again. Some butterflies copy the wing patterns of poisonous species. This is called mimicry. They don t get eaten because birds think they are poisonous, too. Poisonous butterflies tend to fly more slowly than non-poisonous ones because they do not have to avoid predators.

What do we do when the butterfly larvae arrive? How can we tell how much the larvae have grown?

How do you raise a butterfly? How do we treat butterflies humanely? What do we do when the butterfly larvae arrive? What can we find out about the larvae? How can we tell how much the larvae have grown?