Physical Characteristics

Egg- The egg is covered by a hard-ridged protective outer layer of shell, called the chorion. It is lined with a thin coating of wax, which prevents the egg from drying out before the larva has had time to fully develop. Butterfly and moth eggs vary greatly in size between species, but they are all either spherical or ovate.

Larvae- The body consists of thirteen segments, of which three are thoracic and ten are abdominal. The larvae have a tough head and a soft body. They have mouths that are made to chew. Some larvae are covered with hairs, or other body extensions. The larvae have three pairs of small legs on the thorax.

Pupae- A butterfly is called a chrysalis. The chrysalis of many butterflies are suspended from a silk pad and abdominal hooks. Moths spin a silk cocoon which protects the pupa. Some moth larva tunnel into the ground up to several inches.

Adult- The adult body has a hardened exoskeleton, except for the abdomen which is less sclerotised. The head is shaped like a capsule with appendages arising from it. Adult mouthparts include a prominent proboscis formed from maxillary galeae, and are adapted for sucking nectar.