Lecture Notes: Metamorphosis of Butterflies

Introduction to Metamorphosis

• Metamorphosis is the biological process by which an animal physically develops after birth or hatching.
• Insects, amphibians, and some fish undergo metamorphosis.

Stages of Butterfly Metamorphosis

1. Egg Stage

• Description: The beginning of the butterfly lifecycle.
• Location: Eggs are typically laid on host plants.
• Duration: Varies depending on species.

2. Larva Stage (Caterpillar)

• Function: Primary stage for growth.
• Habits: Caterpillars eat leaves and flowers voraciously.
• Purpose: To gather energy and nutrients for metamorphosis.

3. Pupa Stage (Chrysalis)

• Process: Transformation occurs within the chrysalis.
• Characteristics: The caterpillar's structure is broken down and reorganized.
• Duration: Can last a few weeks to months, depending on species.

4. Adult Butterfly

• Emergence: The butterfly breaks free from the chrysalis.
• Function: Reproduction and laying eggs to start the cycle over.
• Features: Fully developed wings, ready for flight.

Factors Influencing Metamorphosis

• Temperature: Affects the rate of development in all stages.
• Diet: Nutritional intake during larval stage is critical.
• Species Variation: Different species have unique metamorphosis timelines.

Importance of Metamorphosis

• Biodiversity: Essential for ecological roles and pollination.
• Survival: Adapts species for survival in diverse environments.

These notes provide an overview of the key aspects of butterfly metamorphosis, highlighting the main stages, factors involved, and the biological significance of the process.