The Life Cycle
of the
Butterfly
Written and Illustrated by Tara Allen
The egg is the first stage in the life cycle of the butterfly. The female butterfly lays the egg.
After the egg hatches, a caterpillar emerges . Caterpillars feed on plant leaves for about two weeks. The caterpillar will become much larger in size.
After awhile, the caterpillar will attach itself head down to a twig or branch. The caterpillar will shed its outer skin and begin to transform into the chrysalis (pupa). This process is completed in a matter of hours.
About 24 hours before the emergence of the adult butterfly, the chrysalis (pupa) becomes completely transparent, revealing the new butterfly inside.
After struggling to free from the chrysalis, the butterfly starts to inflate its wings.
After the wings inflate, the butterfly rests.
After a few hours, the wings dry and hardened, the butterfly will take its first flight.
The adult butterfly will begin the life cycle again.
The End!