homework, how do you know if a butterfly is male or female?

Answer 1

The one in the dress is female


or a cross dresser

Answer 2

Its not usually easy. In a lot of species, the male is usually more brightly coloured, probably in order to 'impress' the females. It is thought that the reason many females may be duller is to give them better camouflage in order to increase their chances of survival so they can lay their eggs.

Females are also usually larger than then male, and will usually have a larger abdomen.

The reproductive organs are hidden usually quite well within the butterfly, so sexing smaller species where wing patterns do not vary between the sexes can be difficult. Larger species such as Swallowtails can be easier to distinguish: males usually have a pointed abdomen whereas the female's is blunt. In other species such as Monarchs, and those in the monarch family, males have a raised black scent scale on the hindwing which releases a pheromone which is used to attract females.

Although there are many ways to sex a butterfly, the main thing to bear in mind is:

females are larger and duller (generally speaking)

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I know how to find out if a Bumblebee is male or female (hint - squeeze it gently in your hand and be prepared to scream..), but butterflies I've never actually thought about. There are some butterflies that show sexual dimorphism (males and females look different), but I don't know of any in the US. Good question!

Answer 4

Adult Males and Females
Adult females are often larger than males. Male moths (butterfly) usually have very elaborate antennae. Coloration may be different between the sexes.

Answer 5

If it's wearing lipstick, it's probably female. But I know some male butterflies, and ... ...

Answer 6

Stick your head between its tiny little legs and look!

Sorry...it was funny at the time...I'll go back into my box!

I hope you do find your answer!