In the butterfly life cycle, which stage comes after the larva (caterpillar) stage?

In the butterfly life cycle, which stage comes after the larva (caterpillar) stage?

• A. Egg
• B. Pupa (cocoon)
• C. Adult
• D. Egg again

Answer: (B)

After the caterpillar, the butterfly enters the pupa stage, called a chrysalis. This is the transformation phase where the larva’s tissues break down and reorganize to form the adult butterfly’s wings, legs, and other structures. Some sources use the term cocoon, but that more accurately describes a moth’s covering; butterflies form a chrysalis instead. So the next stage is the pupa.

After the caterpillar, the butterfly enters the pupa stage, called a chrysalis. This is the transformation phase where the larva’s tissues break down and reorganize to form the adult butterfly’s wings, legs, and other structures. Some sources use the term cocoon, but that more accurately describes a moth’s covering; butterflies form a chrysalis instead. So the next stage is the pupa.