Butterfly Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis

• Definition: A biological process in which an animal undergoes a series of physical transformations from birth to adulthood
• In butterflies, metamorphosis involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult
• Characterized by dramatic changes in form and structure

Adult

• Also known as imago
• Final stage of metamorphosis
• Characteristics:
  • Wings: fully developed, colorful, and delicate
  • Body: slender, elongated, and hairy
  • Mouthparts: modified for sipping nectar from flowers
  • Reproductive organs: fully developed for mating and egg-laying
• Lifespan: varies by species, typically 1-4 weeks

Pupa (Chrysalis)

• Stage of metamorphosis where transformation from larva to adult occurs
• Characteristics:
  • Non-mobile, resting stage
  • Body: encased in a protective casing (chrysalis)
  • Tissues and organs are reorganized to form adult structures
  • Duration: varies by species, typically 2-4 weeks

Egg

• First stage of metamorphosis
• Characteristics:
  • Laid on leaves or stems by female butterfly
  • Small, oval, and usually yellow or white
  • Fertilized by male butterfly's sperm
  • Incubation period: varies by species, typically 3-4 days

Larva (Caterpillar)

• Second stage of metamorphosis
• Characteristics:
  • Eats constantly to grow and store energy
  • Body: segmented, worm-like, and often hairy
  • Legs: several pairs of prolegs and thoracic legs
  • Instars: molts several times as it grows, typically 5-6 times
  • Duration: varies by species, typically 1-4 weeks