What are the different life stages of a butterfly?

Using the Silver-spotted Skipper (Epargyreus clarus) as a model we will look at the four different stages of the butterfly or moth life cycle.

Eggs:

Female butterfly oviposits on the larval host plant. Eggs hatch within days, many caterpillars eat the eggshell upon hatching. Eggs can be laid singularly or in groups.

 

Larva:

Most species have a particular plant or small group of plants that are used as a host for larval feeding. There are typically five larval instars. Caterpillars can change appearance from one instar to the next.

 

Pupa:

This is the stage where the transformation from caterpillar to adult occurs. Pupa of a butterfly is called a chrysalis, of a moth is called a cocoon. The pupal stage can range from days to months depending on the species.

 

Adult:

Adult butterflies have a main purpose of finding a mate and then laying eggs for the next generation. Adults will drink nectar from flowers nutrition and energy.

 

View a poster of the butterfly life cycle click here

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