Question 1

What is the life cycle of a butterfly?

Accepted Answer

The life cycle of a butterfly has four stages: egg, caterpillar (or larva), pupa (or chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Each stage looks very different and has different jobs to do!

Question 2

Where do butterflies lay their eggs?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies lay their eggs on leaves or stems of plants. They choose plants that their caterpillars will like to eat once they hatch.

Question 3

What does a caterpillar do?

Accepted Answer

A caterpillar eats a lot of leaves and gets bigger. Eating helps it store energy for its next stage of life.

Question 4

Why is the pupa stage important?

Accepted Answer

In the pupa stage, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. It stays still inside a hard shell called a chrysalis during this time.

Question 5

How does a caterpillar become a butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar changes body shape and grows wings. When it’s ready, it breaks out of the chrysalis as a butterfly.

Question 6

How long does it take for a butterfly to emerge from the chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

It usually takes about 10 to 14 days for a butterfly to come out. But, this can vary depending on the type of butterfly and the weather.

Question 7

What do butterflies do after they emerge from the chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

When a butterfly first emerges, its wings are soft and crumpled. It pumps fluid into its wings to straighten them out and lets them dry.

Question 8

What do adult butterflies eat?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies often drink nectar from flowers. They use their long, tube-like tongue to sip it like a straw.

Question 9

How long do butterflies live?

Accepted Answer

Most butterflies live for a few weeks, but some can live for several months. It depends on the butterfly species and the environment.

Question 10

Why are butterflies important?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies help plants make seeds by moving pollen from flower to flower. They are also food for other animals, which helps keep nature in balance.

Question 11

Can butterflies fly right away after emerging?

Accepted Answer

No, they need to dry their wings first. After their wings are dry and strong, they are ready to fly.

Question 12

How do butterflies protect themselves from predators?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies use camouflage to hide by blending in with their surroundings. Some have bright colors to warn predators that they are poisonous or taste bad.

Question 13

Do all butterflies look the same?

Accepted Answer

No, butterflies come in many different colors and patterns. Each species of butterfly has its unique look.

Question 14

Why do caterpillars shed their skin?

Accepted Answer

Caterpillars grow fast but their skin doesn't stretch. They shed their skin, called molting, so they can get bigger.

Question 15

What do caterpillars eat?

Accepted Answer

Most caterpillars eat leaves. They usually munch on the leaves of the plant where they were born.

Question 16

Do butterflies sleep?

Accepted Answer

Yes, butterflies rest with their wings closed. They usually rest at night or on rainy days.

Question 17

How do butterflies find food?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies use their eyes to spot bright flowers and their sense of smell to find nectar. They have taste sensors on their feet to help them find tasty leaves or nectar.

Question 18

What is a monarch butterfly?

Accepted Answer

A monarch butterfly is a type of butterfly famous for its long migrations. They have bright orange and black wings and travel thousands of miles to warmer places in winter.

Question 19

Can you touch a butterfly?

Accepted Answer

It's not a good idea because their wings are very delicate. If you must touch them, do it very gently so you don’t damage their wings.

Question 20

Why do butterflies like the sun?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies are cold-blooded, and they need the sun to warm up their bodies. Sunlight gives them the energy to fly and look for food.

The Life Cycle of a Butterfly: Transformation and Significance - 20 FAQs Explained Simply