Butterflies

Start with a life cycle map

A useful starting point is the Butterflies mind map that introduces different kinds of butterflies and their life stages. It gives you an overview before you focus on individual terms. Another Butterflies map also follows the life cycle and mentions the Monarch butterfly.

The Butterfly Life Cycle mind map describes the larva and pupa and also refers to a moth. A separate map follows the butterfly from egg to larva, chrysalis and butterfly. Compare the maps to see how each presents the life cycle.

Use flashcards and the quiz

After looking at a map, move to the flashcards. The vocabulary deck includes terms such as larva and chrysalis, while another deck brings together the names of the life stages. Use the cards to recall the terms, then return to a map to check where they fit in the sequence.

Butterfly ID Questions offers an identification-focused quiz alongside the life cycle material. It provides a different way to engage with butterflies after studying the maps and cards. If a term is unfamiliar, the vocabulary cards and life cycle maps offer places to look at it again.

Place the topic in the unit

Butterflies is a section of the Invertebrates unit in Biology and natural sciences. This page brings the butterfly resources together so you can work on that section in a format that suits you. The maps organize ideas visually, while the flashcards help you return to key words and stages.

Teachers can also explore the community-made resources when looking for material on this topic. Choose a map, work through the cards and try the quiz.