What is a butterfly insect?

Butterflies are insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera, which also includes moths. They are known for their brightly colored wings, slender bodies, and their unique life cycle that includes the stages of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Butterflies play important roles in ecosystems as pollinators and as a food source for other animals. They are found worldwide in a variety of habitats, from meadows to rainforests.