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Butterfly growth Butterfly’s lifespan may range from several days to many months; among species. The life cycle shows five phases: egg, larva, chrysalis, adult. Ova Everything starts when a mature female deposits eggs eggs attach to leaves or stems. Those hosts then serve as food for emerging caterpillars. Ova tend to be spherical or ellipsoid and tiny. A egg form varies with butterfly species. Larva Once eggs hatch, a caterpillar stage begins or “caterpillar” begins. Caterpillars do not stay in this phase only briefly; they feed and grow They use legs, find leaves and begin feeding feeding. Larvae may expand fiftyfold in mass in that period. Case As the larva enlarges, its cuticle gets too taut as the body alters. It begins sloughing off cuticle, as a newer layer is more suitable exuvia. That stage is called ecdysis. When mature, the larva builds a chrysalis, a protective case where the larva transforms to an adult. The chrysalis shields larvae against threats and harsh environmental conditions. Imago This phase is when the larva starts forming wing buds; the emergent adult gradually emerges from the chrysalis. It unfurls its wings and prepares to fly. Imago winged Being an adult butterfly involves several roles: court, lay eggs and feed. Many species obtain nectar, while some adults may not feed feed. Many mature butterflies live just a few periods, yet certain types overwinter in cold and can live many months.