Why are butterflies called BUTTER flies? Where's the butter?

Question

Why are butterflies called BUTTER flies? Where's the butter?

Answer 1

O.E. buttorfleoge, perhaps based on the old notion that the insects (or witches disguised as butterflies) consume butter or milk that is left uncovered.

Answer 2

Well, firstly, contrary to popular conception, it isn't because they were originally called flutter-byes and it got corrupted. Unfortunately, though, we don't really know what it is. There are a few theories, one of which is that it comes from old wives tales about them stealing butter. Another is some sort of link to their excrement looking like butter.

The website below has an interesting comment on it