Butterfly coloring pages

Each butterfly picture shows one butterfly with matching left and right wings. The upper wings may be rounded or pointed, the lower wings are rounded, and spots decorate both. A slim body runs down the middle with two antennae, and small dots fill the background. Because the design is symmetric, almost every area on one side has a twin on the other.

Wings made of scales

The scientific name for butterflies and moths, Lepidoptera, comes from Greek words meaning "scale wing." Their wings are covered in tiny overlapping scales, and the colors come either from pigments in those scales or from their microscopic structure, which can make some wings shimmer as you move. Many species also have eyespots, round markings that may help startle or distract predators.

Mirror coloring

Symmetry makes butterflies satisfying to color: as you fill one spot, you can look for its partner on the opposite wing, and the picture stays balanced as it grows. Pointed upper wings give a sleeker outline, while rounded ones look softer and more playful. The antennae and the smallest spots are the fiddly parts. If you enjoy symmetric pictures, try the mandala theme next.