Unlike many insects, butterflies do not experience a nymph period, but instead go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa and imago. The adult butterflies have four wings, but unlike moths, the fore- and hindwings are not hooked together, permitting a more graceful flight. Some butterflies have evolved 'eyelike' markings on their wings, scaring off some birds, or allowing the butterfly a chance of escaping in the confusion when the bird simply pokes a hole in one of the wings. Photo credit: Fir0002
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