Who invented butterflies?

Butterflies have origins that could date back to the Cretaceous period, ending over 65 million years ago. Sadly, fossil records are very limited and the oldest know fossil is of an unnamed species, found in Fur, Denmark. However, it is believed that this fossil belongs a Skipper Butterfly, and is thought to date back to 57 million years ago. The most beautifully preserved fossil is a Metalmark Butterfly from about 25 million years ago and is exquisitely sealed in Dominican amber. It is estimated that there are now 17,500 species of butterfly world wide, surviving in nearly every climate except those that are very cold and arid.