Question 1

What is the first stage of a butterfly's life?

Accepted Answer

The first stage of a butterfly's life is the egg. The mother butterfly lays the egg on a leaf.

Question 2

What happens after a butterfly egg is laid?

Accepted Answer

After the egg is laid, a tiny caterpillar called a larva hatches from it. This is the second stage of a butterfly's life.

Question 3

Why do caterpillars eat so much?

Accepted Answer

Caterpillars eat a lot because they need to grow big and strong. They chow down on leaves to store energy for the next part of their life.

Question 4

How does a caterpillar turn into a pupa?

Accepted Answer

A caterpillar stops eating when it is ready to become a pupa. It forms a shell around itself called a chrysalis or cocoon.

Question 5

What is a chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

A chrysalis is a protective shell where the caterpillar changes into a butterfly. It is often green or brown to blend in with leaves.

Question 6

How long does a caterpillar stay in the chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

The caterpillar stays in the chrysalis for about one to two weeks. Inside, it is changing completely into a butterfly.

Question 7

What happens inside the chrysalis?

Accepted Answer

Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar transforms and grows wings, antennae, and legs. This is the process called metamorphosis.

Question 8

What is metamorphosis?

Accepted Answer

Metamorphosis is the big change from the caterpillar into a butterfly. It's like magic, but it’s really nature at work!

Question 9

What does a butterfly look like when it first emerges?

Accepted Answer

When a butterfly first comes out of the chrysalis, its wings are small and wet. It has to wait a while for them to dry and stretch out.

Question 10

How does a butterfly dry its wings?

Accepted Answer

A butterfly dries its wings by holding them out and letting the air do its job. This helps the wings become strong and ready for flying.

Question 11

What do butterflies eat?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies drink nectar from flowers using their long proboscis, which is like a straw. Nectar gives them the energy they need to fly.

Question 12

Why do butterflies need flowers?

Accepted Answer

Flowers provide butterflies with nectar to drink. Butterflies also help flowers by spreading pollen, which helps plants make seeds.

Question 13

How long do butterflies live?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies usually live for a few weeks to a couple of months. That’s enough time to find food and lay more eggs.

Question 14

Can all butterflies migrate?

Accepted Answer

Not all butterflies migrate, but some, like the Monarch butterfly, travel long distances to find warmer places.

Question 15

What colors can you find on a butterfly?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies come in many colors, like blue, orange, yellow, and black. Their bright colors can help them hide or warn predators.

Question 16

Why do caterpillars and butterflies come in many colors?

Accepted Answer

Colors help caterpillars and butterflies either hide from predators or warn predators that they might taste bad or be poisonous.

Question 17

How do you know when a butterfly is ready to fly?

Accepted Answer

A butterfly is ready to fly when its wings are dry and strong. It will try flapping them a bit before taking off.

Question 18

What do butterflies do with their feet?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies use their feet to taste things. They can find out if a leaf is good for laying eggs by landing on it!

Question 19

How do butterflies help the environment?

Accepted Answer

Butterflies help pollinate flowers, which is important for plants to grow new seeds. They also serve as food for other animals, helping the ecosystem stay balanced.

Question 20

What should you do if you find a butterfly on the ground?

Accepted Answer

If you find a butterfly on the ground, gently make sure it’s in a safe place away from people or animals. You can watch it for a bit, but it’s best to leave it alone.

The Lifecycle of a Butterfly: From Egg to Metamorphosis - 20 FAQs Explained Simply