Life Cycle of a Butterfly:

The life cycle of a butterfly consists of four stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Each stage is distinct and crucial in the development of the organism.

Egg Stage:
- The life cycle of a butterfly begins with the laying of eggs by the adult butterfly.
- The eggs are usually laid on plants, specifically on the leaves or stems, which will serve as the food source for the caterpillar once it hatches.
- The eggs are small and round, often attached to the plants by a sticky substance secreted by the female butterfly.

Larva Stage:
- After a few days, the eggs hatch, and the larva or caterpillar emerges.
- The caterpillar is the second stage of the butterfly's life cycle.
- It has a long body with several segments and is usually covered in tiny hairs.
- The caterpillar's primary goal during this stage is to eat and grow.
- It feeds voraciously on the leaves or stems of the plant it was hatched on.
- As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin multiple times in a process called molting.
- Each time it molts, it reveals a larger body until it reaches its maximum size.

Pupa Stage:
- Once the caterpillar has reached its full size, it enters the pupa stage.
- The pupa, also known as the chrysalis, is a protective covering the caterpillar creates around itself.
- Inside the pupa, the caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation known as metamorphosis.
- During this stage, the caterpillar's body breaks down and rearranges itself into the adult butterfly.
- The pupa is usually brown or green and hangs from a branch or other surface.
- It remains in this stage for a specific period, depending on the species and environmental conditions.

Butterfly Stage:
- After the pupa stage, the adult butterfly emerges.
- The butterfly has fully formed wings, a proboscis for feeding, and vibrant colors.
- It takes some time for the butterfly's wings to dry and harden before it can fly.
- Once the wings are ready, the butterfly begins its adult life, searching for a mate and reproducing.
- The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers, helping with the pollination process.

Conclusion:
The organism covers itself in a cocoon during the pupa stage, which is the third stage of the butterfly's life cycle. The cocoon, also known as the chrysalis, provides protection for the caterpillar as it undergoes metamorphosis and transforms into an adult butterfly.

Eggs