The 4 Stages in the Life Cycle of a Butterfly

This lesson will explore the four stages that a butterfly goes through during its lifespan.This lesson will explore the four

stages that a butterfly goes through during its lifespan.

Stage 1: The Egg

Butterflies are oviparous, meaning they lay their eggs on leaves or twigs. The eggs will develop into caterpillars in 1 to 3 weeks.

Stage 2: Caterpillar (larva)When the egg is fully developed, the caterpillar eats its way out and begins to gorge itself on plants and leaves. The caterpillar growsso much, so quickly, that it will shed its skin several times before entering the pupal stage.

Stage 3: The PupaAt the end of the larval stage, the caterpillar will search for the perfect place to pupate, or create a protective covering called a cocoon.The pupal stage lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months while the caterpillar develops into a full grown butterfly .

Stage 4: AdultAfter the pupal stage, the butterfly emerges in its final, familiar form, a caterpillar body with legs and large wings. Some species of butterfly can live up to 8 months but most live Only a few weeks Before laying eggsTo start the process again.

Let’s review:

Stage 1: Egg - Laid on leaves, 1-3 weeksStage 2: Larva - Emerges, sheds skin as it grows

Stage 3: Pupa - In cocoon for weeks to months

Stage 4: Adult

Typical appearance, body, legs and wings

Credits

Monarch: animal-backgrounds.com

Life cycle: animal-kid.com

Egg: scientificcomputing.com

Caterpillar: biology.emory.edu

Cocoon: galleryhip.com

Monarch: wikipedia.org

Stages: imgkid.com