The larva of a butterfly is called a caterpillar.

A caterpillar is the larval stage of a butterfly's life cycle. It is the second stage, following the egg stage and preceding the pupa stage. During this stage, the caterpillar goes through significant growth and development before transforming into a butterfly.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly:

The life cycle of a butterfly consists of four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Each stage has its unique characteristics and serves a specific purpose in the overall life cycle of the butterfly.

1. Egg:
The butterfly begins its life as an egg, typically laid on a leaf or plant. The egg is often small, round, and attached to the plant with a special glue-like substance. Inside the egg, the embryo develops and grows.

2. Larva (Caterpillar):
After a few days, the egg hatches, and the larva, also known as a caterpillar, emerges. The caterpillar is the feeding stage of the butterfly and has a distinct appearance. It usually has a long, segmented body with multiple pairs of legs and a voracious appetite.

3. Pupa (Chrysalis):
Once the caterpillar has grown and completed its feeding stage, it enters the pupa stage. During this stage, the caterpillar forms a protective covering called a chrysalis around itself. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation called metamorphosis. This transformation involves the restructuring of tissues, organs, and the development of wings.

4. Adult:
After a period of time, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. At this stage, the butterfly has fully developed wings and reproductive organs. It is also capable of flight and reproduction. The adult butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers and plays a crucial role in pollination.

Conclusion:

To summarize, the larva of a butterfly is called a caterpillar. The caterpillar is the second stage in the life cycle of a butterfly, following the egg stage. It undergoes significant growth and development before transforming into an adult butterfly. Each stage of the butterfly's life cycle serves a unique purpose in its overall development and survival.

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