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[[Image:Butterfly.jpg|right|thumb|The Milbert's Tortoiseshell butterfly]]

[[Image:Butterfly.jpg|right|thumb|The Milbert's Tortoiseshell butterfly]]

A '''butterfly''' is an insect belonging to the order Lepidoptera. They are known for their delicate and beautiful wings and for their life cycle beginning as a [[caterpillar]] (or larva). The transformation from caterpillar into butterfly is an example of [[metamorphosis]]. The purpose of the stage as a caterpillar is for growth - the multi-legged caterpillar may shed its skin four times. <ref>[http://bsi.montana.edu/web/kidsbutterfly/life-cycle]</ref> Most caterpillars consume leaves, and eat abundantly. The caterpillar stage may last two weeks. <ref>[http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm]</ref>

A '''butterfly''' is an [[insect]] belonging to the order Lepidoptera. They are known for their delicate and beautiful wings and for their life cycle beginning as a [[caterpillar]] (or larva). The transformation from caterpillar into butterfly is an example of [[metamorphosis]]. The purpose of the stage as a caterpillar is for growth - the multi-legged caterpillar may shed its skin four times. <ref>[http://bsi.montana.edu/web/kidsbutterfly/life-cycle]</ref> Most caterpillars consume leaves, and eat abundantly. The caterpillar stage may last two weeks. <ref>[http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm]</ref>

The next stage is for the caterpillar (which is known as a pupa in this stage) to enter a chrysalis for about ten days. (The chrysalis is not a cocoon; a cocoon is a protective casing made out of silk by certain types of larvae, such as [[moth]] caterpillars.) The chrysalis will become transparent about 24 hours before the pupa escapes and becomes a butterfly. <ref>[http://adver-net.com/Monemerg.html]</ref> The butterfly will struggle to escape the chrysalis, but this process gives it strength. Within several hours, the butterfly will have the ability to fly.

The next stage is for the caterpillar (which is known as a pupa in this stage) to enter a chrysalis for about ten days. (The chrysalis is not a cocoon; a cocoon is a protective casing made out of [[silk]] by certain types of larvae, such as [[moth]] caterpillars.) The chrysalis will become transparent about 24 hours before the pupa escapes and becomes a butterfly. <ref>[http://adver-net.com/Monemerg.html]</ref> The butterfly will struggle to escape the chrysalis, but this process gives it strength. Within several hours, the butterfly will have the ability to fly.