Requirements:
Did you know... ...that butterflies taste with their feet? ...that butterflies don't have mouths that allow them to bite or chew? ...that the butterfly doesn't spin a cocoon? …that butterflies are an important part of Georgia’s ecosystems?
Complete six activities, including the three starred (*).
1. * Use a print or online field guide to learn about and identify butterflies that are common to Georgia, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Observe and describe or draw at least three kinds of butterflies found in your neighborhood or community.
2. Discover the magic of metamorphosis (the stages of development from an egg to an adult butterfly). Design and build a mobile or create a game which represents all the stages of metamorphosis.
3. Georgia’s state butterfly is the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Draw and color an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Label the body parts: head, thorax, abdomen, proboscis, antennae, compound eyes and wings. Find out what scientific names are and why they are important. Find and write down the complete scientific name of the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly.
4. *Discuss with your troop/group or a friend why butterflies are important to the ecosystem. Be able to explain what an ecosystem is.
5. Design and make you own butterfly T-shirt . OR Create your own butterfly costume depicting your favorite butterfly. OR Write a story or poem about butterflies.
6. Butterfly migration is an amazing occurrence. Find out about the monarch or other butterfly and draw a map of their migration paths.
7. Design, plant and maintain a “butterfly garden” which will attract native butterflies or caterpillars. Include plants which produce nectar or food, and host plants for egg laying.
8. *Visit a butterfly center. OR Participate in program to learn about butterflies. Find out what a lepidopterist does.
The Butterfly badge was suggested and originally developed by Girl Scout Junior troop 283 from Barnesville, Georgia.