How to Tell the Difference Between a Male & a Female Butterfly

Distinguishing between male and female butterflies is not a task that has to be left to a group of scientists. In fact, most butterflies have gender-specific characteristics that make sex identification rather easy. Many differences are specific to the butterfly species, while some are general for most all species. To make a more accurate identification of gender, you will need to view the butterflies up close.

Things You'll Need

  • Butterfly nets
  • Large, see-through container
  • Camera
  • Magnifying glass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Capture a few butterflies for more easy examination and sex identification. Gently catch the butterflies in a butterfly net; avoid catching the butterflies with your hands, as this will remove the powder from the butterflies̵7; wings and damage the wings. Release captured butterflies inside your home, classroom or into a large see-through container.

    • 2

      Take photos of the captured butterflies. The photos will allow you to look at the butterflies and examine them more closely, and you will not have to follow the butterflies around trying to identify them. Zoom in to take the picture to get a more detailed look at the butterflies wings and abdomens. If you are identifying a deceased butterfly, you can simply use a magnifying glass to get a closer look at the butterfly.

    • 3

      Examine the butterflies̵7; wings. In many species the patterns on the wings differs slightly between male and female. The differences change from one species to another, while a monarch male has distinct spots on his lower wings, the male Anna̵7;s Blue butterfly is brighter than the female and the female swallowtails have more blue on their bottom wings than the males of the same species. If you can identify the butterfly species, you may be able to more easily identify the butterflies̵7; sex given the distinguishing marks.

    • 4

      Observe the behavior of the butterflies. This works best in a natural habitat, so you may consider moving captured butterflies to a greenhouse for observation or place fresh cut flowers indoors to create a more natural environment for observation. Observe the butterflies̵7; behaviors to identify the sex of each captured butterfly. While males will roam about looking for females, females will stick close to flowers, looking for places to lay eggs.

    • 5

      Take an up-close look at the abdomen of each butterfly. Many species of butterflies have distinct abdomen differences from male to female. Female butterflies most often have a round abdomen with a round hole for laying eggs, while male butterfly abdomens contain a top slit.