Grade Four : Butterfly

Butterfly Life Cycle

Stage One: Egg

The first stage of a butterfly's life is a very small oval, round, or cylindrical egg, depending on the species of butterfly.

Stage Two: Caterpillar

When the egg hatches, a "larva" or "caterpillar" emerges. Caterpillars must grow quickly, so they eat continually.

Stage Three: Chrysalis

When the caterpillar reaches full size, they form into a "chrysalis" or "pupa." Inside, they are undergoing a transformation or "metamorphosis." The parts we recognize as a butterfly are beginning to form.

Stage Four: Butterfly

The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis with its soft wings folded about its body. After a rest period, the butterfly pumps blood into its wings and begins to fly.