A Butterfly s Life Cycle

Understand the life cycle of a butterfly. Objectives 1.) Egg Stage 2.) Larva Stage 3.) Pupae Stage 4.) Adult Stage Know the four stages of a butterfly’s life cycle.

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The Egg Stage In the egg stage, a female butterfly lays it’s eggs on or near plants. These plants will serve as a food source when the larva hatch. Butterfly eggs can hatch in a few days, a few weeks, Or may require months.

The Larval Stage In the Larval Stage, the eggs hatch and out comes a caterpillar. The caterpillar will shed its skin as it grows. Most caterpillars molt four or five times before they are fully grown.

The Pupae Stage In the Pupae Stage, the caterpillar fastens it’s body to a leaf or twig with silk. The caterpillar’s skin begins to harden into a chrysalis. The chrysalis is very hard and many changes take place inside. The body turns to a soft liquid. The wings, legs, and rest of the butterfly are formed from the liquid.

The Adult Stage Finally, when spring arrives, the chrysalis is warmed by the sun and the butterfly breaks out! The butterfly, at the time it breaks out, is a full grown adult. It will get no bigger. Female butterflies are usually larger than males, but less colorful.

Activities Read “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. Make a butterfly life cycle viewer using pattern. Raise butterflies in the classroom.