Life Cycle of the Butterfly

1. Life Cycle of the Butterfly By David G. Estes

2. 4 Stages of the Life Cycle

3. Life Cycle Stages Egg Eggs are laid by adult females. Depending on species, eggs are laid in spring, summer, and fall. Eggs are laid upon leaves to provide food for the hatching caterpillars.

4. Life Cycle Stages Caterpillar • Is also known as the Feeding Stage. • The job of the caterpillar during this stage is to eat as much as possible to use later during Pupa stage. • Caterpillars will shed its skin 4 to 5 time. • Caterpillars can grow up to 100 times their size.

5. Life Cycle Stages PUpa • Is also known as the Transition Stage. • Happens when caterpillar is fully grown. • Creates a silk coccoon for protection under leaf branches. • Depending on species, this stage last from 2 weeks to 2 years.

6. Life Cycle Stages Adult • Is also known as Reproduction Stage. • Majority of adult butterfly species live 1 to 2 weeks. • Some species of butterfly eat nectar, but most don’t feed at all. • During this stage the male’s job is to mate and female’s job is to lay eggs.

7. Reference • The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.(2013) “Butterfly Life Cycle.” Retrieved on 06/21/2013 from http://www.ansp.org/explore/online-exhibits/butterflies/lifecycle/