The stages of growth in a butterfly, also known as metamorphosis, include four distinct stages:
Egg: The butterfly begins its life as an egg, which is typically laid on the leaves of a host plant.
Larva (Caterpillar): Once the egg hatches, the butterfly enters the larval stage, also known as the caterpillar stage. During this stage, the caterpillar eats and grows, shedding its skin several times as it becomes larger.
Pupa (Chrysalis): After the caterpillar reaches its full size, it forms a pupa or chrysalis, in which it undergoes a remarkable transformation into an adult butterfly. Inside the pupa, the caterpillar's body breaks down and reorganizes into the butterfly's adult form.
Adult: Finally, the fully-formed butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and takes its first flight. The adult stage is the reproductive stage of the butterfly's life, during which it seeks out a mate and lays eggs to begin the next generation.