Butter�y and Moth

Life Cycle

Butter�y and Moth

Life Cycle

4. AdultWhen the pupa has �nished changing, it molts

one last time and emerges as an adult butter�y

or moth. The adult

emerges with its

wings folded up

against its body. The

butter�y or moth

pumps blood into the

wings to expand them

. The adult is the stage when butter�ies and moths

mate and reproduce. Females lay their eggs on

plants or other surfaces, and the cycle starts all

over again.

3. Pupa

When a caterpillar has �nished growing, it forms a pupa. From the

outside, the pupa looks as if it's resting. But inside, every part of the

caterpillar is changing. Most of its organs and other body parts

dissolve and re-form into the organs, tissues, limbs and wings

of the adult. Butter�y pupae are called chrysalises. Many moth caterpillars spin cocoons

and form pupae inside them.

2. Larva

The larva hatches from the egg. Butter�y and moth larvae are usually

called caterpillars. Caterpillars spend most of their time eating. Butter�ies

and moths do all of their growing when they're caterpillars, and food

gives them the energy and body-building materials they need. A

caterpillar's exoskeleton can't stretch or grow, so the caterpillar sheds its skin, or molts, several times as it grows.

1. EggThe egg is the �rst stage in the butter�y and moth life

cycle. Butter�y and moth eggs are very

small and round, oval or cylindrical. Many

have ribs or other tiny features. Females

lay their eggs on or near the plants that

will later become caterpillar food.