How do butterflies breathe?

Butterflies breathe through spiracles, a type of tiny hole. They have multiple spiracles along their external skeletons, called the exoskeleton.

Each spiracle has a trachea, which is a tiny tube that takes oxygen and brings it into the body. Butterflies do not have lungs or noses like humans. Since they do not have noses, these insects smell things, using their antennae. To determine the best place to lay their eggs, they need to taste. Butterflies use their feet to taste things. For example, when they land on a plant with the intention of laying eggs, they use their feet to taste it to ensure the surface is ideal.