North American Butterfly Association: Most butterflies live for only about one to two weeks in the wild. If you want to observe these insects in some of their natural habitats, head to the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas, a project of the North American Butterfly Association. The 100-acre center helps support NABA’s mission to promote the conservation and study of wild butterflies by sponsoring educational and environmental initiatives.

Entomological Society of America: Butterflies are one of the nearly 10 quintillion (yes, quintillion!) insects in the world, according to Entomological Society of America member and former Harvard University professor, E. O. Wilson. Only about a million of those insects have been identified. For bug lovers everywhere, ESA maintains an online database of some of the most common insect names.

American Society of Naturalists: Before they sprout their beautiful, translucent wings, butterflies spend some time in the larval state as caterpillars. In this stage of metamorphosis, the insect is focused on eating, and eating, and eating. Once it’s fully grown, the caterpillar forms a cocoon, in which it grows legs, wings, and eyes. We’re sure members of the American Society of Naturalists can tell you more about this amazing life cycle.

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