It is not very difficult to see a butterfly or moth outside since they can be found nearly all over the world when the weather is warm enough. They even come into towns and cities.

So if you want to watch them just go out and keep your eyes open. Particularly flowers attract them, of course, but also puddles where they gather to drink. With a bit of patience you will soon know their favorite places.

Pay attention to the leaves of trees, bushes and other plants. You might see a caterpillar busy with its main occupation: eating! Maybe it’s a bit difficult as most of them are hard to see because of their camouflaging colors.

Moths can be seen at night. They get dazzled and disorientated by bright and shining light. You can attract them with a lamp in front of a white sheet.

Anyway, it is very interesting to observe animals in nature. You can also take photos of them and draw them. But don’t take touch them and never take them home. Most of them wouldn’t survive this and for some species it is forbidden by law. Photos or memories in your head are better to keep and give others the possibility to enjoy the animals as well.

Attract butterflies by planting particular butterfly plants in your garden.

If you want to raise butterflies from caterpillars, ask a specialist and have a look at keeping butterflies.

Another way to see butterflies, even in winter, are butterfly houses and zoos. Butterfly houses are big houses mostly made of glass with many, often exotic, plants inside. The butterflies can move freely. These houses often are a good chance to see butterflies from another part of the world or hatching ones. You feel a bit like in a magic jungle with hundreds of colorful butterflies around you.

Some of our photos were taken in a butterfly house in southern Germany.

You see, there are many ways to observe butterflies. Now it’s your turn. Go out and enjoy them!