Butterflies go through four stages in their life. This process is called metamorphosis (meh-tuh-MOR-fuh-sis), which means a complete change in body shape.
1. Egg
- A female butterfly lays her eggs on leaves or stems of plants.
- The eggs are tiny—sometimes the size of a pinhead!
- She carefully chooses plants that her baby caterpillars will eat.
2. Caterpillar (Larva)
- When the egg hatches, out comes a caterpillar (KAT-er-pill-er), also called a larva (LAR-vuh).
- Its main job? Eat, eat, eat! 🥬 Caterpillars munch on leaves to grow quickly.
- As they grow, they shed their skin several times in a process called molting (MOHL-ting).
3. Chrysalis (Pupa)
- When the caterpillar is big enough, it forms a chrysalis (KRIS-uh-liss), also known as a pupa (PYOO-puh).
- Inside, an amazing transformation happens—like magic!
- The caterpillar’s body completely changes into a butterfly.
4. Adult Butterfly
- Finally, the fully formed adult butterfly emerges.
- At first, its wings are soft and wet, but within hours they dry and strengthen.
- Now it’s ready to fly, find food, and start the cycle all over again!
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