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Butterfly Eggs
First an adult butterfly will lay butterfly eggs on leaves. Butterfly eggs come in three sizes, round, oval, or cylindrical. The eggs might have different features from other eggs laid because of the type of butterfly that laid the eggs. The Monarch butterfly lays their eggs in March or April depending on the temperature and climate. -
The second stage
In the second stage, it takes only about four days for the butterfly eggs to hatch into larvae, also known as caterpillars. During this stage caterpillars eat in order to grow. They first eat the leaf they were born onto. As the caterpillar eats it will grow and expand, also molting their skin in order to continue to grow to their max size. -
Growing time
It takes about two full weeks for the caterpillar to become full grown. At this point the caterpillar will then find a place to attach itself so it can start the process of metamorphosis. -
Next stage
During the time of metamorphosis, the caterpillar will attach itself to a stem or leaf using silk and will transform into chrysalis/pupa. The chrysalis phase takes roughly ten days to complete. This is the most crusical time of change for the soon to be butterfly. It is during this time that the old body parts of the caterpillar are changing into the new parts of a butterfly. -
Lifespan 2-6weeks
The first generation butterfly will emerge from it's pupa roughly after going through ten days of the chrysalis stage. The butterfly emerges to feed on flowers and enjoying their short life span of about 2-6 weeks. The first generation butterfly will then die after laying it's eggs for the second generation of butterflies. -
2nd and 3rd generation
The 2nd generation of butterflies are born in May or June and the 3rd generation in July or August. Both of these generations will go through the exact same life cycle as the first generation butterflies. Again, both of these generations will pass away just 2-6 weeks after becomming an adult butterfly. -
Fourth generation
The fourth and final generation of butterflies are born in either September or October. They will develop just as the first three generations do, but they will not die after only 2-6 weeks after becomming an adult butterfly. This generation will migrate to a warmer climate and will survive for another 6-8 months before it is time to start the process over again.
