Life cycle of butterfly 🦋
The life cycle of a butterfly consists of four stages: egg, caterpillar (larva), pupa (chrysalis), and an adult butterfly. Here's a simple explanation of each stage:
1. Egg : A butterfly starts its life as a tiny egg. The female butterfly lays the egg on a leaf. The egg is usually very small and has a round or oval shape. It is attached to the leaf with a special glue-like substance.
2. Caterpillar (Larva): When the egg hatches, a caterpillar emerges. The caterpillar is the second stage of the butterfly's life cycle. It’s a small, worm-like creature with a soft body. The caterpillar eats (leaves) a lot and grows rapidly. It sheds its outer skin several times to accommodate its increasing size.
3. Pupa (Chrysalis): After the caterpillar has grown and eaten enough, it forms a protective case around itself called a chrysalis or pupa. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes transformation. It turns into a butterfly but stays hidden within the case.
4. Adult butterfly: Once the transformation is complete, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. At first, its wings are small and wet, but they quickly expand and dry out. The butterfly pumps fluid into its wings, allowing them to become strong and ready for flight. The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers and plays a vital role in pollination.
This beautiful transformation from an egg to a butterfly is called metamorphosis. It is an incredible process in nature that allows butterflies to change and grow.
