The life-cycle of a butterfly is truly remarkable. Starting as a tiny egg, this hatches into a long creepy-crawly caterpillar with sometimes bizarre hairy and brightly coloured skin. The next stage transforms it again into becoming a crusty dull chrysalis, almost suspended in animation. Finally after hatching, a beautiful delicate adult butterfly emerges bringing joy to many people who love to see them fluttering in the warm sun.
It is common belief that butterflies don't live very long. This of course depends on the species of butterfly as some can last a number of weeks, whilst others can last up to one year.
There are 58 species of butterfly in the UK, although a number are now threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. A general trend of decline in the butterfly population of about 70% in some species, indicates that our countryside and environment are not in good health. There are a number of wildlife parks where our native species and those from other parts of the world can be studied at close quarters. There are thought to be around 20,000 species of butterfly worldwide.
If you do want to get up close to butterflies, Animal Days Out would recommend the Tropical Butterfly House, Wildlife and Falconry Centre for starters. Home to many types of tropical butterflies, you can wander right amongst them and let them flutter by at close quarters within their specially designed habitat.
Butterfly Links
Butterfly Conservation - Dedicated to Saving Butterflies and Moths 
British Butterflies - Check Out Steven Cheshire's Excellent Website The UK British Monitoring Scheme - How Can You Get Involved? Understand the Best Planting Schemes to Attract Butterflies into Your Garden Visit The Tropical Butterfly House Butterfly Gifts
Buy a Butterfly House and Feeder Buy Other Butterfly Gifts 
Butterfly Fact File Added by Animal Days Out
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