The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly

This project was created using the fair use guidelines by Michelle A. Collins.

1Butterflies, insects, and moths have a complete life cycle. This means that there are four separate stages, each of which looks different and serves a different purpose in the life of the insect.Life Cycle

2The egg is a tiny, round, object, usually with fine ribs and other structures which is laid by the female butterfly. The female attaches the egg to leaves or stems.

The leaf or stem will become the caterpillars food.Stage One The Egg

3

Stage Two The Caterpillar or LarvaThe caterpillar or larva is the long worm-like stage of the butterfly. During this stage, the caterpillar is growing and feeding on leaves. As it grows, it can shed its skin four or more times so as to enclose its rapidly growing body.

4The pupa or chrysalis is the resting or transformation stage, and this is where the big change from caterpillar to adult takes place.

This is the stage when the caterpillar tissues are broken down and the adult insect's structures are formed.Stage Three Transformation Stage

5The adult is a colorful butterfly which we see in our garden or backyard. This is the mobile stage when the butterfly can fly to start a new family or find a new home.Stage Four - Adult

6Cycle A series of events

Larva -An early form of an animal

Caterpillar -The larva of a butterfly

New Vocabulary Words

7Pupa -The form that a caterpillar takes in the changing stage.

Chrysalas -A protective covering

Transformation -To change

Vocabulary Words Continued

8http://www.tooter4kids.com/LifeCycle/Stages.htm

http://www.kidsbutterfly.org/life-cycleBibliography

9