The head of a butterfly is similar -- in ways -- to the head of a human being. Like humans, the head of a butterfly houses the brain as well as two eyes. Butterflies have compound eyes that are made of many hexagonal lenses. The head also contains the proboscis, which is similar to a tongue. A butterfly uses her proboscis to drink nectar and other liquids. Once ingested, the food begins to digest within the pharynx, another part of the butterfly's head. A butterfly has two antennae that she uses to smell the environment around her and to keep her balance.
The middle portion of a butterfly is known as the thorax. Six legs are attached to the thorax; two forelegs and four hind legs. All of the legs are jointed, much like the legs of a human being. Butterflies have four multicolored wings altogether, two lower and two upper. The lower wings are known as the hind wings, while the upper wings are known as the fore-wings. The thorax also contains a butterfly's ears.
The abdomen of a butterfly contains critical parts necessary for life and reproduction. In a butterfly's abdomen, you will find the respiratory, circulatory and reproductive systems as well as the digestive system. Butterflies only consume liquids because they lack teeth, and therefore only liquids are released when they produce waste. The abdomen also contains spiracles that are used to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The heart of a butterfly is in the abdomen, pumping blood through a long tube that runs from the abdomen to the head. The reproductive organs of male butterflies are in their abdomens; female butterflies use their abdomens to store and lay eggs.
Butterflies use their wings to fly, however only if the temperature is warm enough. Butterflies are cold-blooded creatures and cannot take flight if the temperature isn't 50 degrees or warmer. Butterflies use their feet to taste their meal before ingesting it. Butterfly feet contain small receptors that allow them to do this. Butterfly wings consist of numerous small scales that combine to create the color located on the wing itself. If you touch a butterfly's wing you can accidentally rub off a few of these scales.