Butterfly Anatomy

The Thorax

The thorax is the locus for locomotion. The thorax is divided into three segments; on each segment is a pair of jointed legs. The four wings of the butterfly (or moth) are also attached to the thorax. The thorax contains the muscles that make the legs and wings move.

THE LEGS
Butterflies have six segmented legs. The two front legs of about half the butterfly species are very short. The front pair of legs are frequently used to clean the antennae. Each foot ends in a pair of grasping claws. The feet are also studded with sense organs and are used to taste food.

THE WINGS
The wings are attached to the second and third thoracic segments (the meso- and meta-thorax). During flight, the wings are held together because a lobe on the hindwing presses against the forewing. 

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