Butterflies don’t just pop out of eggs with wings and flair. The butterfly life cycle is one of the most dramatic transformations in the animal kingdom.

Called complete metamorphosis, this process reshapes the insect's entire body structure across four stages.

Each stage has its own function, from eating machines to flying adults. And while many species of butterflies follow the same pattern, details can vary depending on the environment, host plant and even time of year.

The Egg Stage

Everything starts with a female butterfly laying eggs, usually on a host plant that will later become food for her offspring. These eggs are often round or oval and barely the size of a pinhead. Inside, a caterpillar begins to form.

Depending on the species and temperature, the eggs hatch in a few day

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