Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Which four stages occur in the life cycle of a butterfly or moth?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Lepidoptera
Heliconius butterfly in South America.
Butterflies and moths, which belong to the order Lepidoptera, undergo a process known as complete metamorphosis. Their life cycle consists of four distinct stages:1
- Egg: The cycle begins when the female lays eggs, typically on or near a suitable food plant.2
- Larva: Often called a caterpillar, this stage is primarily focused on growth and nutrition.13
- Pupa: During this inactive, nonfeeding stage, the insect undergoes a dramatic transformation, rebuilding its tissues to develop adult structures. This stage is known as a chrysalis in butterflies and often occurs within a cocoon in many moth species.415
- Adult: The final stage, or imago, is the reproductive phase of the insect's life, dedicated to mating and dispersal.16