Butterfly Life Cycle

Nearly everyone, from his or her childhood on, is familiar with one of nature's most striking transformations: the metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly. However, the metamophosis is not unique to the Lepidoptera. Other insects like flies, wasps, and beetles also undergo this radical change.

The life cycle of butterflies and moths is marked by four very distinct-looking stages: egg, larva, pupa (or chrysalis), and adult. Together, these four stages constitute a single generation, which may last anywhere from three weeks to two years. The number of generations produced each year varies from species to species and even within species according to the lengths of regional growing seasons. Any of the four life stages may be used to pass the winter, depending upon the species.

Artwork by Jim McEvoy.