Butterflies represent one of the two major groups within the order Lepidoptera, the other being the moths. The distinction between butterflies and moths is largely traditional rather than scientific — an arbitrary division based on appearance and behaviour. While almost everyone can recognise a butterfly, few could clearly define what separates it from a moth.
A family of butterflies known as Skippers. These are small to medium sized butterflies that are rarely larger the 2 inches in size.
The Lycaenidae are the second-largest family of butterflies, with about 6000 species worldwide, whose members are also called gossamer-winged butterflies. They constitute about 40% of the known butterfly species.
Nymphalidae are a widely distributed family of butterflies with some 5,000 species.
A family of butterflies common called the Swallowtails. There are about 550 of these large colourful butterflies. Most of them are tropical but members are found on all continents.
