Difference between revisions of "Butterfly"
(image) |
Feebasfactor (Talk | contribs) (2 points!) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[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. [http://bsi.montana.edu/web/kidsbutterfly/life-cycle] Most caterpillars consume leaves, and eat abundantly. The caterpillar stage may last two weeks. [http://www.monarchbutterflyusa.com/Cycle.htm] | + | 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. [http://adver-net.com/Monemerg.html] 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. |
[[Category: Insects]] | [[Category: Insects]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==References== | ||
| + | |||
| + | <references/> | ||
Revision as of 23:14, November 12, 2007
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.
