Socialization

One of my friends asked me if butterflies/caterpillars socialize. It was really hard to find an answer but I found some information about how butterflies migrate and communicate. A group of butterflies can be called a lek, swarm, or a rabble. When butterflies migrate, they often travel in large groups or swarms to a different part of the country or world that has a more suitable climate for their needs. As for communication, butterflies use a wide variety of means to pass messages between other members of their species. Color, chemicals, sounds, and physical actions can all convey meaning to another butterfly. Males may have bright or unique patterns to attract members of the opposite gender. Chemical pheromones also help mates find each other and signal courtship availability. Territorial postures or clicking sounds are used to defend a certain area or ward off another male. (http://www.amazingbutterflies.com/frequentlyaskedquestions.htm)

Below is an amazing image of a swarm of monarch butterflies.

http://arkansasagnews.uark.edu/609.htm

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_a_group_of_butterflies_called