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The butterfly egg
The egg stage lasts an estimate of 3-7 days. However, this can vary species to species. (https://www.discoverwildlife.com/how-to/identify-wildlife/5-butterfly-eggs-to-spot-and-how-to-see-them/) -
The butterfly caterpillar
A very tiny caterpillar hatches from the butterfly egg. The caterpillar is designed to be an “eating-machine” and before it begins to pupate it will increase its body mass thousands of times. A butterfly stays in the caterpillar stage for about 2-5 weeks and will vary based on the species. (https://gardenswithwings.com/identify-butterfly-life-cycle/identify-caterpillars) -
the butterfly chrysalis
The butterfly caterpillar will create a silk mat and attach themselves to it. A pupal shell underneath the caterpillar's skin. Eventually, the caterpillar's exoskeleton will split off exposing the pupa. They will then stay in the chrysalis will for 1-2 weeks before the butterfly emerges. (https://sciencing.com/happens-inside-chrysalis-butterfly-8148799.html) -
The Adult Butterfly
When a butterfly emerges from a chrysalis its wings are crumpled. The butterfly will hang with its wings down and will begin pumping the wings full of fluids from their body to straighten them out. Then the butterfly must wait several hours for the wings to harden and dry before it can fly away. (https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterfly/lifecycle/Adult.shtml) -
The lifespan of a butterfly
The lifespan of the adult butterfly is roughly 2-3 weeks. In their lifespan, female butterflies must find a mate and the right plant to lay their eggs on so the butterfly cycle can continue! (https://www.thebutterflysite.com/how-long-butterflies-live.shtml)