 The Norwood Science Center 2005
Norwood Science Center
Animals
Grade 4
Background information:
Butterflies and moths are primarily visitors to flowers, from
which they suck out the nectar by means of a long tongue called a
proboscis. These animals are of great importance, for they bring
about the pollination of a vast number of plants.
Taste receptors on the second two pairs of legs enable the
butterfly to taste sweet liquids with its feet. Contact of these organs
with the petals of a flower sets off a reflex activity that uncoils the
proboscis. The long, flexible proboscis acts like a straw. It fits into
the smallest opening to reach the flower nectar.
TITLE:
BUTTERFLIES: Adults
PURPOSE:
Observe and study butterflies
MATERIALS:
(per class)
Butterfly Garden Box or Butterfly Tower
Several painted lady chrysalides
5% solution of sugar
Cotton balls
Soda bottle cap
(per student)
Complete Metamorphosis Worksheet
Scissors (2)
Glue stick
Butterflies Adult Gr. 4 07
Page 1 of 3
 The Norwood Science Center 2005
PROCEDURE:
01. When the chrysalis is 7-10 days old, it will darken and its wing
colors will begin to show. The adult will emerge within 12-24
hours. The upper surface of the body and wings of the adult
butterfly is mostly black, brown, and orange. There are also
some white spots and red and blue markings. The underside of
the adult is gray with white and red markings.
02.
Point out to students that moths undergo changes similar to
those of butterflies with one main difference – moths form a
cocoon instead of a chrysalis.
03.
Explain to the class that since the life cycle of the butterfly
involves four stages it is called complete metamorphosis.
04.
Once the adults have emerged, place one cotton ball in the
soda bottle cap and saturate the cotton with the 5% sugar
solution. Place the cap on the floor of the box or tower.
05.
You may also wish to place leaves, stems or seedlings of
mallow or hollyhock in the butterfly cage.
06.
Have the students use magnifiers to observe the adults through
the windows or screening of the cage. Ask students to find the
following body parts: two pairs of wings, three pairs of jointed
legs, compound eyes, head, proboscis and antennae.
07.
Students should observe how the butterflies react to the food
and use their proboscis to drink the sugar-water.
CONCLUSION:
01. Distribute one Complete Metamorphosis worksheet, glue stick
and pair of scissors to each student.
02.
Students should cut out the picture of each stage of complete
metamorphosis and glue the picture in the correct location on
the worksheet.
SOURCE:
01.
Butterflies and Moth. Delta Science Module, Nashua, NH, 1988.
Butterflies Adult Gr. 4 07
Page 2 of 3
 The Norwood Science Center 2005
Butterflies Adult Gr. 4 07
Page 3 of 3