No, butterflies are not colorblind; in fact, they often have superior color vision compared to humans.
Butterflies utilize color vision to locate flowers. Unlike humans, who have trichromatic vision (red, green, and blue cones), and honeybees, who have ultraviolet, blue, and green photoreceptors, butterflies typically possess six or more photoreceptor classes with unique spectral sensitivities. This allows them to perceive a wider range of colors, including ultraviolet light, which is invisible to humans. This expanded color perception is advantageous for finding nectar-rich flowers.
Therefore, the statement that butterflies are colorblind is demonstrably false. Their color vision is essential for their survival and reproduction.
