Male vs. Female butterflies: How to tell them apart by size, colour, behaviour, and more

Butterflies are admired for their vivid wings, delicate shapes, and graceful flight, but beyond their beauty lies a fascinating story of the difference between males and females. Known as sexual dimorphism, these variations extend beyond reproductive organs, influencing size, colour, wing patterns, behaviour, and even lifespan. Males are often smaller, brighter, and more active in courtship, while females tend to be larger, more camouflaged, and focused on egg-laying. These distinctions play crucial roles in reproduction, survival, and ecology. Recognising them not only deepens our appreciation of butterflies but also aids conservation, research, and hobbyist identification, highlighting nature’s remarkable adaptability. “Sexual dimorphism” refers to the differences in appearance betw