Butterflys and moths undergo a fascinating transformation called a metamorphosis. The young (called larva or caterpillar) is very different from the adults. The job of the caterpillar is to eat, eat, eat! As the caterpillar grows it usually sheds it’s skin 4 or 5 times.
When the caterpillar is full grown and stops eating, it becomes a pupa (cocoon). The pupa of butterflies is also called a chrysalis.
The caterpillar’s job was to eat. The adult’s job is to mate and lay eggs. Some species of adult butterflies get energy by feeding on nectar from flowers but many species don’t feed at all.
Check out these amazing changes below! Which one is your favorite butterfly metamorphosis?
Acharia Stimulae
Acraga Coa
Attacus Atlas
Black Swallowtail
Blue Morpho
Brahmin Moth
Cecropia
Cerura
Flannel Moth
Glasswinged Butterfly
Hubbard’s Small Silkmoth
Io Moth
Isochaetes Beutenmuelleri
Phobetron Pithecium
Pipevine Swallow
Polyura Sempronius
