Before and after magic, butterfly metamorphosis

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

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Acraga Coa

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Attacus Atlas

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Black Swallowtail

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Blue Morpho

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Brahmin Moth

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Cecropia

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Cerura

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Flannel Moth

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Glasswinged Butterfly

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Hubbard’s Small Silkmoth

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Io Moth

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Isochaetes Beutenmuelleri

IsochaetesBeutenmuelleri1IsochaetesBeutenmuelleri2

Phobetron Pithecium

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Pipevine Swallow

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Polyura Sempronius

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