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. [1] Most caterpillars consume leaves, and eat abundantly. The caterpillar stage may last two weeks. [2]
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. [3] 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.