Butterfly Lifecycle

It's hard to find the beginning of an endless cycle, so we've chosen to start small

 

These eggs (ova) belong to the scarlet swallowtail. 

They are about 1.5mm in diameter

 

 

 

 

 

 

After about 8 days from being laid, caterpillars (larvae) will emerge.

At first they are tiny, like these specimens.  

They will shed their skins up to 4 times to accommodate their growth...

 

 

 

 

...still a caterpillar, their appearance changes as they grow, in pattern and colour as well as size.  Towards the end of their time as a caterpillar, they stop eating, clear their gut, and become what is known as a pre-pupa. Certain hormonal changes encourage them to find a suitable place for pupation...

 

 

 

 

 

...brilliantly camouflaged, the scarlet swallowtail chrysalis (pupa) hangs by a thread of silk.  It will remain in this form for about 2 weeks, at which point the adult is ready to emerge...

 

 

 

 

 

 

...a really impressive female scarlet swallowtail butterfly (adult). Now the cycle starts all over again when she is ready to lay her eggs.

 

 

 

 

If you look carefully when you visit the Tropical House, you may see for yourself the various stages of the lifecycle.  Either way, you won't fail to be impressed by the size, colours and variety of our beautiful butterflies! Feel free to take photos during your visit, and we have very friendly, specialist staff who are always more than happy to answer any questions.