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green butterfly

LIFE-CYCLE OF A BUTTERFLY

 

Butterflies and moths undergo complete metamorphosis in which they go through four different life stages.

 

Egg - A butterfly starts its life as an egg, often laid on a leaf.

Larva - The larva (caterpillar) hatches from an egg and eats leaves or flowers almost constantly. The caterpillar molts (loses its old skin) many times as it grows. The caterpillar will increase up to several thousand times in size before pupating.

Pupa - It turns into a pupa (chrysalis); this is a resting stage.

Adult - A beautiful, flying adult emerges. This adult will continue the cycle.

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Uploaded on September 5, 2010
Taken on September 5, 2010