The transformation from a tiny caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly is a fascinating process called metamorphosis.
It involves four distinct stages:
Egg: The life cycle begins with a tiny egg laid on a leaf by a female butterfly.
Larva (Caterpillar): After a few days or weeks, the egg hatches, and a caterpillar emerges. Caterpillars spend their time eating and growing. As they grow, they shed their skin several times, a process known as molting.
Pupa (Chrysalis): When the caterpillar is fully grown, it forms a chrysalis. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar's body undergoes a remarkable transformation. Its tissues break down and reorganize into the form of a butterfly.
Adult (Butterfly): After a period of time, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. Its wings are initially soft and wet, but they soon harden and dry. Once its wings are dry, the butterfly can fly and begin its adult life.
It's truly an incredible process that showcases the wonders of nature!
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