Final answer:
The butterfly life cycle consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage represents a different phase of life, from birth to reproduction, and the process repeats with each new generation of butterflies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The butterfly life cycle, also referred to as complete metamorphosis, is comprised of four stages namely: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. The process begins with the female butterfly laying eggs, usually on the underside of a leaf. These eggs hatch into larvae, also known as caterpillars, which feed aggressively on leaves to grow and eventually develop into the pupa stage. The caterpillar forms a chrysalis which is a protective casing where the transformation into an adult butterfly occurs. This transformation stage is what's referred to as metamorphosis. Once this process is complete, a fully formed butterfly emerges. The cycle then repeats itself as this adult butterfly will eventually lay eggs of its own.
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