4. Stage 1 : The Egg
The egg is a tiny round oval object, usually
with fine ribs and other microscopic
structures. The female attaches the egg to
leaves, stems, or other objects, usually on or
near the intended caterpillar food. While in
the egg stage the caterpillar grows in the
inside of the egg.
5. Stage 2 : The Larva
The caterpillar (or larva) is the long, worm-like
stage of the butterfly. It often has an
interesting pattern of stripes or patches,
and it may have spine-like hairs. It is the
feeding and growth stage.
6. Stage 3 : Pupa
The chrysalis (or pupa) is the transformation
stage within which the caterpillar forms a
protective shell around its body so it can change
forms from a caterpillar to a butterfly. Once the
caterpillar is fully grown the shell splits open.
7. Stage 4 : The Adult
The adult is colorful butterfly. It is the reproductive
and the final stage for the species. The adult butterfly
is also the stage that forms new habitats. The butterfly
pictured here is a Monarch which is fairly large in
size. When the wings of the butterfly are dry the
butterflies know to look for food. The food the
butterfly looks for is mainly nectar from plants.