Can you tell the age of a butterfly by the brightness of its wings?

No, you cannot tell the age of a butterfly by the brightness of its wings. This is a common myth that has been debunked by scientists. The brightness of a butterfly's wings is determined by the pigments in its scales, which can vary depending on the species and gender of the butterfly. In fact, the brightness of a butterfly's wings can change throughout its lifespan, depending on factors such as mating, nutrition, and exposure to sunlight.

There are other ways to determine the age of a butterfly, such as examining its wings for wear and tear, or observing its behavior and physical characteristics. However, these methods are not always accurate and can vary depending on the species of butterfly.