Butterflies are insects with a complete transformation cycle. Their development occurs in several stages: egg, larva, pupa, adult insect. The transformation process of a butterfly is quite complicated and takes more than one month. The duration of each stage of transformation is different for different species of butterflies.
Instructions
Step 1
Butterflies are heterosexual creatures. The differences between the male and the female are clearly traced, the most striking sign of the sex of the butterfly is its color. Girl butterflies are usually much paler, more inconspicuous. Before the female lays her testicles, the male must fertilize her. After mating, the butterfly usually lays a clutch on the plant that its larvae will subsequently feed on. Butterfly testicles are tiny, less than one millimeter in diameter. So, the first stage of development of a butterfly is an egg.
Step 2
After a while, which largely depends on the characteristics of a particular species of butterflies, larvae appear from the laid eggs. They are called caterpillars. These creatures are completely different from adult insects. The butterfly larva has special glands, they are located near its mouth organs. These glands secrete a special sticky thread. Silkworm larvae use these threads to make natural silk. The larva is the second stage in the development of the butterfly. It can last for several months. At this time, the caterpillars are very actively feeding, because they need to prepare for future transformations.
Step 3
After the caterpillar has reached the required size and enough time has passed for its formation, it turns into a pupa. This is the third stage of butterfly development. Pupae, depending on the type of butterfly, can be different in color and differ in the methods of attachment to the surface. Most often, the color of the pupa serves as a disguise. At this stage of development, butterflies do not move or feed, complex transformations take place inside the pupa, the caterpillar turns into an adult insect.
Step 4
The final stage in the development of a butterfly is the emergence of an adult insect from the pupa. At this moment, the butterfly is quite vulnerable, it needs some time to dry out and spread its wings. After a few days, the insect may already be ready to reproduce. The lifespan of an adult butterfly directly depends on the species. It can be as long as several weeks or several months.
