Advanced Optics on Butterfly Wings Live Science Did you know Monarch butterflies shiver their wings to stay warm? When temperatures drop, these delicate pollinators vibrate their wings rapidly in a behavior called shivering. This tiny motion generates heat, helping when butterflies live a natural lifespan, their wings show the evidence! rips, tears and weathering are a common occurrence during a butterflies life caused by general wear & tear, breeding, All About Butterflies: Climate and Temperature Insect Lore Why Butterfly Wings are Even Cooler Than You Think! Columbia Magazine