Fluttering jewels

Abstract

Butterflies are among the best known of all insects, admired even by those who have only the most generalised understanding of science. Their splendid colours and graceful flight patterns have always been a source of fascination, although most people know little about their habits. They seem to escape the general revulsion reserved for most other insects, perhaps, because they do not bite, sting, carry disease or (in adult form) do any serious damage.