-
Egg Stage
A butterfyl's life begins in the egg stage. From the 200-500 eggs that are laid on a plant leaf, caterpillars are born. The caterpillars generally hatch from the eggs about 5 days after the eggs are laid. Eggs from different butterflies are different in shape, size, and color. -
Larva or Caterpillar Stage
The caterpillar hatches from the egg stage and grows by eating leaves. The caterpillar is also known as the larva during this stage of life. During this period, caterpillars change and shed, or molt due to their growth. After a few weeks, the caterpillar begins to look for a place to build it's cocoon. -
Chrysalis or Pupa Stage
The caterpillar then sheds for the last time and builds its cocoon, or chrysalis. A chrysalis is a hard shell in which the caterpillar changes into a butterfly. The caterpillar inside the chrysalis is called a pupa. This stage usually lasts for several weeks. -
Butterfly
After several weeks, the adult butterfly comes out of the chrysalis. The butterfly then looks for another butterfly to mate with. An adult butterfly generally only lives for about 2 weeks!
