Final answer:
The butterfly life cycle stages consist of egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult, which are the main stages of complete metamorphosis where each stage looks very different from the others. This process allows the insect to adapt to different roles and minimize competition for resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Butterfly Life Cycle Stages
The life cycle of a butterfly is a fascinating example of complete metamorphosis, which refers to the insect life cycle stages where each stage looks distinctly different from the others. The main stages of the butterfly lifecycle include:
- Egg – The beginning stage of life where the butterfly lifecycle starts.
- Larva (Caterpillar) – After hatching from the egg, the caterpillar emerges and feeds extensively, often on specific host plants, to grow.
- Pupa (Chrysalis) – The caterpillar eventually forms a chrysalis, where it will undergo metamorphosis, transforming its body into an adult butterfly.
- Adult – After metamorphosis is complete, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, ready to reproduce and continue the cycle.
During the metamorphosis, the insect changes drastically. Caterpillars transform into adult butterflies with wings, capable of mating and reproduction, a process that can be advantageous as it allows different life stages to adapt to specific roles without competition for resources. A well-known example of these specialized adaptations is seen in the Karner blue butterflies, where caterpillars feed solely on wild lupine while the adults feed on nectar from flowers of various plant species.