Question

Define the term metamorphosis. Briefly describe the various stages occurring in the life-cycle of a butterfly.

Answer 1

Metamorphosis is a process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching, involving a conspicuous and relatively abrupt change in the animal's body structure through cell growth and differentiation.

There are four stages in the metamorphosis of butterflies and moths: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

• Stage 1 - Eggs: In the first stage, a female butterfly lays eggs. The eggs are really small and round. About five days after the eggs are laid, tiny worm-like creatures hatch out from the eggs.
• Stage 2 - Caterpillar (Larva): The second stage is the caterpillar. A caterpillar is sometimes called larva. A caterpillar is a long creature. It looks like a worm. This is the eating and growing stage. A caterpillar grows really fast. Caterpillars shed their skin four or more times while they are growing. A caterpillar shedding its outgrown skin is called moulting.
• Stage 3 - Chrysalis (Pupa): Stage three is the chrysalis. This is when the caterpillar is done growing. The caterpillar makes a chrysalis. Another name for a chrysalis is a pupa. It is mostly brown or green. It is the same colour as that of the things around it. This is so that other animals cannot see it. This protects them.
• Stage 4 - Butterly (Adult)): In stage four, the chrysalis opens. Soon, a butterfly comes out.