Butterfly Life Cycle
By Elizabeth Yetter
(Previously written under former married name, revised 2007)
It is never too early to start planning your butterfly garden with your child. However, you and your child should have a basic understanding of the life cycle of butterflies.
The butterfly has four life stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa, adult
For caterpillars, their main objective is to eat as much as possible. Some caterpillars will only eat from one plant-type while others will eat various plants.
The pupa stage is when the caterpillar forms a covering around itself. This covering is called a chrysalis. For moths, this covering is called a cocoon.
Usually, after ten to fifteen days a butterfly will emerge from the chrysalis. Most of its caterpillar body has been dissolved and a new body restructured while inside the chrysalis.
As an adult, the butterflies will mate and lay eggs on certain plant species where the caterpillars will be able to feed.
The adult butterflies will feed on nectar from flowers and from rotting fruit.
Butterflies are cold-blooded. They rely on their environment for heat. This is why butterflies are often found basking on a warm rock in the sun.