butterflies
Winged former caterpillars
Butterflies are insects with large, often colorful wings, known for their transformation from caterpillar through chrysalis to winged adult.
The word also names a swimming stroke performed face-down with simultaneous arm movements and a dolphin kick.
As a verb, to butterfly is to split and spread flat: butterfly a chicken breast.
The plural commonly describes nervous fluttering in one's stomach: I get butterflies before every performance.
Hereditary supreme ruler
- swallowtailButterfly with forked hindwings
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
- cocoonSilk wrapping for transformation
metamorphosis · wings · antennae · proboscis · nectar · pollinator · lepidoptera · pupa
Easily broken or harmed
- colorfulFull of varied hues
- iridescentShowing shifting spectral colors
- gossamerFilmy, delicate material
- etherealDelicate beyond earthly measure
dainty · fragile · wispy · translucent · patterned · vibrant · ornate · symmetrical
Nervous agitation
- nervousUneasy and apprehensive
- anxiousTroubled by uncertainty
- stomachDigestive organ below chest
- queasyMildly sick to stomach
anticipation · excitement · stage-fright · heart-pounding · apprehension · trepidation · unease · restlessness
Thorough change in form
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- soulInnermost animating essence
- resurrectionRevival from death
- freedomAbsence of constraint
ephemeral · beauty · grace · fleeting · transience · hope · renewal · change
Move lightly, rapidly
- hoverRemain suspended midair
- glideMove with effortless continuity
- soarAscend to heights
- driftGradual movement, no direction
wingbeat · alight · perch · land · dance · swoop · skim · float
At risk of extinction
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- migrationMovement to new territory
- milkweedFlowering latex-bearing plant
- sanctuaryProtected sacred space
preserve · species · biodiversity · pesticides · waystation · corridor · population · threatened
monarch
Hereditary supreme ruler
- swallowtailButterfly with forked hindwings
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- chrysalisPupal casing for metamorphosis
cocoon · metamorphosis · wings · antennae · proboscis · nectar · pollinator · lepidoptera · pupa · larva
delicate
Easily broken or harmed
- colorfulFull of varied hues
- iridescentShowing shifting spectral colors
- gossamerFilmy, delicate material
ethereal · dainty · fragile · wispy · translucent · patterned · vibrant · ornate · symmetrical · diaphanous
jitters
Nervous agitation
queasy · anticipation · excitement · stage-fright · heart-pounding · apprehension · trepidation · unease · restlessness · edginess
transformation
Thorough change in form
- rebirthSpiritual or physical regeneration
- soulInnermost animating essence
- resurrectionRevival from death
freedom · ephemeral · beauty · grace · fleeting · transience · hope · renewal · change · spirit
flit
Move lightly, rapidly
drift · wingbeat · alight · perch · land · dance · swoop · skim · float · waft
endangered
At risk of extinction
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- migrationMovement to new territory
- milkweedFlowering latex-bearing plant
sanctuary · preserve · species · biodiversity · pesticides · waystation · corridor · population · threatened · protection
- creaturesanimals, animal, mammals, mammal, birds
- insectsant, ants, bee, bees, beetle
- nature scienceanimals, plants, insects, caterpillars, frogs
- SpringApril, May, spring equinox, spring flowers, cherry blossoms
- Zooszoo exhibits, zoo train, zoo tours, zookeeper, animal exhibits
- coloring subjectsanimals, cats, dinosaurs, dogs, dragons
butterfliescalm
Free from agitation
composure · self-control · steadiness · assurance · confidence
butterfliesanchors
Weighted devices securing vessels
stones · boulders · lead weights · elephants · permanence
- butterflies in stomachNervous stomach sensation
- social butterfliesHighly outgoing, sociable people
- monarch butterfliesMigratory orange-and-black lepidopterans
- have butterflies in one's stomachAnxious stomach sensation