Have you ever wondered why it’s called a butterfly? The butterfly has captivated people for centuries with its beautiful colors and graceful movements.
With an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 species of butterflies around the world, their popularity is undeniable. In fact, they even have a scientific name of Lepidoptera, meaning ‘scaly wings’. But why is it called a butterfly?
To answer this question, let’s look back in history to see where the name originated.
Why is it Called a Butterfly?
Do you ever wonder why this colorful, fluttering insect is so often referred to as a butterfly?It is because of the unique shape of its wings, which look like a pair of upside-down wings of a large bird when they are open. The word butterfly first appeared in the English language in the early 16th century, and the origin of the word can be traced back to Old English. The roots of the word can be found in the Old English word butterfleoge, which is believed to be a combination of two Anglo-Saxon words—butter, meaning yellow, and fleoge, which means fly.
Butterfly Symbolism
In many cultures and religions, the butterfly is viewed as a symbol of transformation and rebirth. For example, in Mexico, the monarch butterfly has been venerated for centuries for its incredible journey from the United States to Mexico and back again.The Aztecs believed that these migrating butterflies were the spirits of warriors and warriors’ wives who had died in battle. In China, butterflies symbolize good luck and joy, while in Buddhism, the butterfly often appears in mandalas as a symbol of rebirth and transformation. In Christianity, many interpretations of the butterfly story exist, with some believing it symbolizes resurrection, immortal life, and transformation.
Butterfly Anatomy
Although they may appear delicate, butterflies are actually surprisingly strong creatures. They have an exoskeleton, which is a hard outer shell made of chitin, a tough protein material. Inside their shells, they have a muscle that helps them to open and close their wings and four sets of wings on each side of their body.The wings have tiny scales that are closely spaced and create a tight, waterproof seal. This helps them stay afloat while they fly, with just a few drops of water weighing them down.