Butterfly Anatomy – The Thorax and Legs

The thorax is the middle section of a butterfly’s body, and basically serves as the muscular foundation for the legs and wings. The thorax is made up of three segments. Each segment has one pair of legs attached, while the second and third segments each have a pair of wings attached as well. 

A butterfly, like all other insects, has six legs. (Butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, which include Monarchs, appear to have only four legs, as their two front legs are very small and kept pressed close to the thorax.)

Each leg has six segments and ends in a tarsus (foot) that the butterfly can use to grip flowers and plants for security. Tiny olfactory sensors cover the legs, allowing butterflies to “taste” with their feet. By landing on a plant, butterflies can judge whether it offers nectar or (in the case of females) a suitable place to lay eggs.

 Look for a detailed post on butterfly wings soon as part of the continuing series on Butterfly Anatomy.