How Does a Caterpillar Turn Into a Butterfly?

Actually the butterfly egg comes before the caterpillar. The adult butterfly lays eggs which hatch out in about 3-7 days. The young caterpillars start off eating and basically don't stop for 2-3 weeks. They grow tremendously during this time and will increase their body mass by a few thousand times.

Caterpillars grow so much that they will shed their exoskeleton several times. Some caterpillars actually change their appearance considerably from one molting to the next.

Once the caterpillars have grown big enough (usually about 2-3 weeks) they will be ready for their final molt that will reveal the chrysalis. Some of the butterfly features will actually be starting to form in their bodies as they prepare to pupate (become a chrysalis or pupa).

When the caterpillar is ready to shed its exoskeleton for the last time it will find a place on a stem or branch and attach itself by spinning its own silk. Most caterpillars will hang upside down but a few (Swallowtails) will attach along side of a stem and use a silk sling to hold themselves in place.

After the caterpillar is firmly attached, about 24 hours later it will wiggle like crazy and shed its exoskeleton revealing the chrysalis beneath. Although the chrysalis appears to be motionless, inside tremendous activity is taking place. The caterpillar anatomy is being chemically disassembled and reconstructed into the adult butterfly. Amazing!

In about 1-2 weeks the adult butterfly will be ready to emerge.

When the butterfly is ready to hatch out it will release some hormones that soften the chrysalis shell. The butterfly will push its way out of the chrysalis and cling to the chrysalis with its wings hanging down.

The butterfly will be unable to fly as it pumps fluid from its body into its crumpled wings to harden them. After several hours the butterfly will be ready for its first flight. The caterpillar has now turned into a butterfly. The butterfly will mate and the female will lay eggs thus beginning the fascinating cycle once again.

If you are interested in seeing this awesome transformation in your own home then please visit our website about raising butterflies.

If you would rather not attract the butterfly eggs and caterpillars through your own gardening efforts but still would love to see the beautiful transformation then try the hassle-free Live Butterfly Garden kit. The kit makes a great gift - my nieces got a lot of enjoyment from raising the live butterflies.

Either way we hope you will have the opportunity to witness with your own eyes how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly!