Butterflies flutter in space for the first time

Scientists in China have managed to hatch a butterfly in space for the first time.

Researchers at Chongqing University confirmed a butterfly successfully emerged from its chrysalis - a hard protective shell - while flying around Earth last year.

Pictures show the butterflies fluttering their wings and resting on leaves in a micro-gravity environment.

Scientists stay this achievement provides valuable data on survival in the harsh conditions of space.

Pictures of the experiment shows butterflies resting on leaves and fluttering the wings within their sealed ecosystem onboard the rocket.

The container the butterflies were placed in was designed to operate without human intervention.

Plants, including chilli pepper varieties, generated oxygen and food for the butterflies.