Question 1

What is the life cycle of a butterfly?

Accepted Answer

A butterfly goes through four stages in its life cycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and adult butterfly. Each stage is different and important for the butterfly's growth.

Question 2

What does a caterpillar eat?

Accepted Answer

Caterpillars eat lots of leaves. They need to eat a lot to grow big and strong so they can turn into a butterfly.

Question 3

How does a caterpillar become a chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

When the caterpillar is ready, it finds a safe place and attaches itself to a branch. Then it sheds its skin to reveal the chrysalis underneath.

Question 4

What happens inside the chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly through a process called metamorphosis. It takes about 1 to 2 weeks for the change to be complete.

Question 5

How can you tell the difference between a male and female butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes male and female butterflies look a bit different. For example, the males might be smaller or have brighter colors than the females.

Question 6

What do butterflies eat?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies drink nectar from flowers using their long, straw-like tongues. Nectar is a sweet liquid that gives them energy to fly.

Question 7

Why do butterflies have colorful wings?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies have colorful wings to attract mates and sometimes to warn predators that they might taste bad. The colors can also help them blend in with flowers and plants.

Question 8

How long does a butterfly live?

Accepted Answer

Most butterflies live for about two to four weeks after becoming an adult. Some can live longer, especially if they have to migrate to warmer places.

Question 9

What does the word 'metamorphosis' mean?

Accepted Answer

Metamorphosis is the process of changing from one form to another, like when a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. It's like a magical transformation!

Question 10

Why do caterpillars need to shed their skin?

Accepted Answer

Caterpillars shed their skin, or molt, because they grow bigger than their old skin allows. This happens several times before they turn into a chrysalis.

Question 11

What time of year do butterflies usually appear?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies are often seen in spring and summer when there are lots of flowers. They lay eggs in warm weather, so their caterpillars have plenty to eat.

Question 12

How does a butterfly protect itself from predators?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies protect themselves using colors and patterns to blend in with their surroundings. Some even have markings that look like eyes to scare away predators.

Question 13

Why don't butterflies fly at night?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies rest at night because it's cooler and darker, making it harder to see where they're flying. They need daylight to find food and keep warm.

Question 14

Can caterpillars hear things?

Accepted Answer

Caterpillars can't hear like we do, but they can sense vibrations. This helps them know when something is approaching, so they can stay safe.

Question 15

How do butterflies help plants?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies help plants by spreading pollen from one flower to another as they eat. This helps the plants grow new seeds and more flowers.

Question 16

Why do butterflies need warm weather?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies need warmth to fly and be active. They are cold-blooded, which means they can't make their own heat, so they rely on the sun.

Question 17

What is the purpose of a butterfly's long tongue?

Accepted Answer

A butterfly's long tongue, called a proboscis, helps it reach deep into flowers to sip nectar. It's like having a built-in straw!

Question 18

Do all caterpillars become butterflies?

Accepted Answer

Not all caterpillars become butterflies. Some turn into moths, which are similar to butterflies but usually fly at night.

Question 19

Why do butterflies lay eggs on specific plants?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies lay their eggs on plants that their caterpillars like to eat. That way, when the eggs hatch, the caterpillars have food right away.

Question 20

How can you help butterflies in your garden?

Accepted Answer

You can help butterflies by planting flowers that they like to visit for nectar. You can also grow plants that provide food for caterpillars.

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly: From Caterpillar to Chrysalis - 20 FAQs Explained Simply