life cycle butterfly - 3rd Reading Passage

Butterflies are fascinating insects that go through four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The first stage begins when a female butterfly lays eggs on a plant. These eggs are usually tiny and can be found on the underside of leaves.

After a few days, the eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as caterpillars. Caterpillars are hungry and eat a lot of leaves to grow quickly. They have to be careful because they are vulnerable to predators. As they grow, they shed their skin several times, a process called molting.

Once the caterpillar is fully grown, it enters the next stage called the pupa or chrysalis stage. During this time, the caterpillar hangs from a branch or leaf and forms a protective shell around itself. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar undergoes a remarkable transformation.

Finally, after a few weeks, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis. At first, its wings are crumpled and wet, but they soon dry and expand. The adult butterfly is now ready to fly, search for food, and find a mate to continue the life cycle. This amazing transformation from egg to adult is called metamorphosis.