Butterflies go through an amazing transformation called metamorphosis. This process has four distinct stages, and each stage looks completely different from the others. Understanding how butterflies grow helps us appreciate these beautiful insects even more.
The first stage begins when a female butterfly lays tiny eggs on plant leaves. These eggs are usually laid on plants that the caterpillar will eat when it hatches. The eggs are often smaller than a grain of rice. After about 3-5 days, the eggs are ready to hatch.
In the second stage, a tiny caterpillar, called a larva, emerges from the egg. The caterpillar's main job is to eat and grow. It munches on leaves all day and night, growing bigger and bigger. As it grows, the caterpillar sheds its skin several times. This stage can last from two weeks to several months.
The third stage is called the pupa stage. The caterpillar forms a hard shell around itself called a chrysalis. Inside this protective covering, an incredible change takes place. The caterpillar's body transforms into a butterfly. This stage usually lasts about two weeks, though some species take longer.
Finally, a beautiful adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. At first, its wings are wet and crumpled. The butterfly must rest and pump fluid into its wings to expand them. Once its wings dry and harden, the butterfly can fly away to begin its life, sipping nectar from flowers and continuing the cycle by laying eggs of its own.