The smallest butterfly is found in South Africa and is popularly known as the dwarf blue butterfly. Small butterflies of this type have a wingspan of about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). The wingspan of the female is slightly larger than that of the male. Dwarf blues are commonly found in savannas and other types of grassland environments.
More facts about butterflies:
- The largest butterfly is the white birdwing. Found in the Solomon Islands, the wingspan of this butterfly can be as much as 12 inches (30.5 cm).
- The lifespan of butterflies varies greatly. Some species will die within a few days, and others will live for as long as six months. For most butterflies, the first meal involves consuming their own eggshells.
- A total of 17,500 species of butterflies had been identified as of 2010. With the exception of Antarctica, butterflies can be found on every continent on Earth. Most species will migrate short distances, although some butterflies will migrate 1,000 miles (1,609.3 km) or more.
