A state of dormancy, without movement or development, entered into by an insect to survive a hot or dry period. Also may be spelled as "aestivation."

The plant used for food by a specific species.  Butterflies typically lay their eggs on the host plant used by the caterpillar.  A single species of butterfly may use one or several species of plants as host plants.

(pl. Setae): The hairlike structure commonly found on caterpillars and other insects.

Abdomen: One of the three main regions comprising an insect. It is the region in the rear.

Requiring two years to complete development and life cycle.

A specialized plant leaf which is most commonly located directly beneath a flower.

A single generation of butterflies, all of which fly during the same time period.

A type of dry habitat consisting of short shrubs and scrubby oaks.

A shape of a mark, much like ">", found on some caterpillars and butterflies. 

The smooth outer covering of a butterfly pupa.  Often, the term "chrysalis" is used to refer to the pupa itself.[image]