Butterfly Life Cycle
⭐ MasteredA butterfly goes through four stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa) and adult. This change is called metamorphosis.
A caterpillar can grow 100 times larger before it forms a chrysalis.
All about Butterfly Life Cycle
A butterfly goes through four stages in its life cycle: egg, caterpillar (larva), chrysalis (pupa) and adult butterfly. The change from caterpillar to adult is called metamorphosis, which means "change of form".
A female butterfly lays eggs on a leaf that its caterpillars can eat. The caterpillar eats and grows, then forms a chrysalis. Inside it, the body reorganises into a butterfly, which emerges and spreads its wings to dry before flying off.
When it is big enough, it forms a chrysalis, a hard case where it changes shape.
When the change is complete, the adult butterfly comes out and waits for its wings to dry before flying off to find nectar and a mate.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows the four stages of a butterfly's life, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. Watch how each stage leads to the next.
Real-life uses of Butterfly Life Cycle
- Teaching children about metamorphosis in classrooms
- Pollinating flowers as an adult
- Helping scientists study how animals change form
Frequently asked questions about Butterfly Life Cycle
How long does a butterfly live?
Most butterflies live for a few weeks as adults, although some species, like the monarch that migrates, can live for several months.
What is the difference between a moth and a butterfly?
Butterflies usually have bright colours and thin antennae with knobs. Moths tend to be duller and have feathery antennae.
Why does a caterpillar make a chrysalis?
The chrysalis protects the developing butterfly while its body changes from a caterpillar into an adult.