Posted: September 1, 2025

Written by: Eily Hegdahl, Winneshiek County Conservation 2025 summer intern

Butterflies belong to the order Lepidoptera, meaning scale-winged, after the microscopic scales that cover their wings like shingles. A single butterfly can have scales of hundreds of colors that make up a mosaic of patterns we recognize them by. These scales also provide a function for flight, defense, and thermoregulation. Wings may be bright colors to warn that this species does not taste good, mimic other species, look like eye spots to startle predators, or camouflage into their surroundings. In fact, to blend into its rainforest surroundings, the Greta oto butterfly’s wings are partially transparent!

Butterflies have a complex life cycle, undergoing metamorphosis in four stages: eggs, larvae (caterpillars), pupae, and adults. Some species may migrate or hibernate (called diapause in insects) in winter.

A host plant is a kind of plant that specific butterflies rely on for survival. Each species has its own host plant preferences where it chooses to lay eggs, although some are more generalists.

Many butterflies also play a role in pollination if they drink nectar, frequenting flowering plants in gardens, forests, orchards, and prairies. Some only drink nectar as a last resort, instead choosing to feast on dung, carrion, tree sap, and rotting fruit instead.

Butterflies are widespread, found on every continent except Antarctica. Winneshiek County provides breeding habitat for around 118 species of butterflies. How well do you know the butterflies found in Winneshiek County?

Take the quiz here: Knowing Nature – Butterflies of Winneshiek County

Each Knowing Nature quiz features species found in Winneshiek County. By the end of the year, we’ll have experience identifying over 100 different types of plants, animals, and fungus!

Want to dive deeper into learning about the wildlife of Winneshiek County? Track seasonal changes and natural wonders with our YouTube playlist: “Noting Nature.”

Thank you to Luther College professor, Birgitta Meade, for compiling these “Knowing Nature” quizzes and allowing us to share them with the wider public.