Stage 1: Egg

The bufferfly’s life starts in a small, round or oval egg. The shape varies depending on the butterfly type. Most butterflies lay their eggs on leaves and stick them using a special glue-like fluid. A single butterfly can lay hundreds of eggs at once because many eggs will not survive to become adult butterflies.

Stage 2: Larva

When the egg hatches, a caterpillar comes out. The caterpillar has small eyes, short legs, and tiny antennae. It also has bundles of cells called imaginal discs that are waiting to turn into butterfly features, including long antennae and legs, as well as wings. These cells do not grow yet because hormones keep them inactive.

The caterpillar spends most of this time eating, including the leaf it was born on. Caterpillars can be very picky eaters, which is why butterflies must lay eggs on the right plants.

Stage 3: Pupa

Once the caterpillar finishes growing, hormone levels change, causing it to form a chrysalis (or cocoon). Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar’s body breaks down into a thick, soup-like substance. Then the imaginal discs begin forming the butterfly’s wings, legs, antennae, and other body parts. This transformation is called complete metamorphosis.

Stage 4: Adult

The final stage is the adult butterfly. It breaks out of the chrysalis and slowly stretches its legs and antennae. The butterfly pumps hemolymph (a blood-like fluid) into its wings so they can expand. After the wings dry and harden, the butterfly is ready to fly.