I hear this question frequently, and it came up again recently, but I don't think I've discussed it yet on my blog. People are often taught that if they touch a butterfly or moth and rub any scales off its wings that it will die. However, that is not the case.
Butterflies and moths belong to the order Lepidoptera, a word derived from the Greek wordslepis(scale) and ptera(wing). Their wings are covered in tiny scales, overlapping like shingles on a roof. These scales give the butterflies and moths their wing patterns, and make them more aerodynamic, a little like feathers on a bird's wing. However, unlike birds, when butterflies and moths lose scales on their wings, they can still fly. Depending on the amount of scales lost, it may make them less aerodynamic and affect their flight pattern slightly, but it will not kill them. Some species of butterflies and moths actually have very few scales, resulting in partially or entirely clear wings. It's really not much different than most other insects with wings, such as dragonflies and wasps.
Butterflies and moths naturally lose scales throughout their lives. They often rub some off in the course of emerging from their pupa, in addition to losing scales while flying, and from escaping from birds or other animals (nothing like a mouthful of powdery scales to make you change your mind about a meal!).
Although butterflies and moths are certainly delicate, they are much hardier than many people give them credit for. So the next time you encounter a butterfly or moth, don't be afraid to coax it onto your hand if it wishes to cooperate! Handle it gently, don't try to pet it, and enjoy its beauty!
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| One of many species of clear-winged butterflies from South America |
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| Close-up of the clear patch and surrounding scales on the wing of Rothschildia lebeau forbesi(see previous blog post) |
FAQs
So, we can verify that touching a monarch butterfly's wings will not kill it immediately, but Watkins said touching their wings can make the insect weaker, which makes their journey up north to warmer weather more difficult.
Does touching butterfly wings kill it? ›
A monarch butterfly is tagged Sept. 10 at Goose Pond Sanctuary, owned and operated by Madison Audubon Society in Arlington. The idea that touching a butterfly's wings will cause it to die is an old wives' tale.
Does touching moth wings damage them? ›
Butterflies and moths don't actually need the scales to fly, but their wings are very delicate and if you handle them enough to rub the scales off, you'll probably also damage the wings in the process.
How fragile are butterfly wings? ›
Beyond rubbing scales off, you could also break a butterfly's wing if you handle it roughly. The upper wings, called the forewings, and the lower wings, called the hindwings, are both very fragile. Although they are strong enough to support the butterfly's body in the air, they are also flexible to enable flight.
Can I grab a moth by the wings? ›
✌️ make sure to gently work with the creature, allowing them to unhook their feet from the surface slowly or you could injure them. 🌿 it's a common myth that touching a butterfly or moths wings and accidently removing the 'dust' will hurt or stop them from being able to fly.
Do butterfly wings feel pain? ›
Butterflies do not feel pain. Although butterflies know when they are touched, their nervous system does not have pain receptors that registers pain so this procedure did not cause the butterfly stress or pain. After the glue dried, the wing transplant showed to be successful and this male Monarch flew away.
Are butterflies poisonous to touch? ›
However, it's important to note that some species of butterflies may contain toxic chemicals or compounds in their bodies or wings as a defense mechanism against predators. These chemicals can be harmful if ingested, so it's advisable not to handle butterflies or attempt to eat them.
Can you touch a moth without killing it? ›
Although butterflies and moths are certainly delicate, they are much hardier than many people give them credit for. So the next time you encounter a butterfly or moth, don't be afraid to coax it onto your hand if it wishes to cooperate! Handle it gently, don't try to pet it, and enjoy its beauty!
Are moths poisonous to touch? ›
Generally, no. Moths are not dangerous in your home. Most moths that fly into houses are either Clothes and Carpet Moths, common millers, or Pantry Moths. None of these types of moths are toxic, have stingers, or can cause harm to people in general.
What is the life span of a butterfly? ›
Most adult butterflies live only one or two weeks, but some species hibernate during the winter and may live several months.
Set the butterfly in a jar with air holes and place it in the fridge for 10 minutes. If less than ⅓ of the wing is damaged, cut the other wing to make them match. Or, lay the butterfly on a table with the legs facing down. Anchor its wings in place with the hook of a hanger.
Can a butterfly live with half a wing? ›
Most butterflies can fly with large portions of wing missing or damaged so cutting both wings to match will fix many grounded butterflies without the need to glue on new pieces.
Is it okay to touch a butterfly's wings? ›
Butterfly wings are covered with tiny scales, each a single color. Most of the colors are produced by pigments, but the beautiful iridescence of some butterflies results from a reflective microstructure on the scale's surface. Don't touch a butterfly's wing—the "powder" that rubs off is actually the scales.
Can a moth survive with damaged wings? ›
Insect wings don't grow back or heal, and a moth with a broken wing is never going to recover. If the moth is otherwise uninjured, you can look after it though. All the moth needs is somewhere quiet and safe, something to eat and something to rest on.
What moths should you not touch? ›
The White-Marked Tussock Moth has bright red warning markers as well as many stinging, nettling, urticaceous hairs. These hairs can cause an irritating rash in humans.
Are butterfly wings safe to touch? ›
Butterfly wings are covered with tiny scales, each a single color. Most of the colors are produced by pigments, but the beautiful iridescence of some butterflies results from a reflective microstructure on the scale's surface. Don't touch a butterfly's wing—the "powder" that rubs off is actually the scales.
Can you damage a butterfly by handling it? ›
While it is important to be extremely gentle when petting a butterfly, the consequences are rarely so dramatic. The dust you may see on your finger after touching a lepidopteran wing is actually made up of tiny wing scales (modified hairs). If too many scales are rubbed away, the wing is more likely to tear or fail.
Does holding a butterfly hurt it? ›
Medium to large butterflies can be safely handled and released by persons who know how to do it. Any butterfly can be fatally damaged by being handled improperly. For example, the vein on the front wing if broken will cause the butterfly to be flightless evermore.
How do butterfly wings get damaged? ›
Wings can be damaged by wind, hail, snow, or rain. This female's forewings were tattered in a storm. The wind may have tossed her around or she may have been struck by flying debris.
