During their life cycles, monarch butterflies go through several distinct steps – known as metamorphosis. In this post, read all about the steps of monarch butterfly metamorphosis. I’ve also included links to download learning activities for teaching the monarch butterfly life cycle in your classroom.
Before we dive in: If you’re an educator planning to teach butterfly or insect life cycles, great learning resources are key to deepening understanding! I think you and your students will love my monarch life cycle diagram, which you can also find within my complete Insects Unit (plus you’ll support my blog with your purchase! ❤️)
1: Egg
The adult female butterfly lays her tiny eggs on the underside of a leaf. After a few days, the eggs hatch and the butterfly larvae, called caterpillars, are born.
2: Caterpillar (Larva)
The caterpillar cannot fly because its wings have not formed yet. The caterpillar eats leaves and grows quickly. As it grows, it sheds and regrows its exoskeleton several times.
3: Chrysalis (Pupa)
The caterpillar hangs upside down and becomes a pupa, called a chrysalis. The chrysalis cannot move for a week or two. Even though it stays still, big changes are happening on the inside.
4: Butterfly (Adult)
The new adult butterfly breaks free from its chrysalis. It has wings now, but they are soft and look crumpled at first. Soon, the wings grow strong, and the butterfly is ready to fly. The adult butterfly sips nectar from flowers. It migrates south to its winter home in Mexico to stay warm.
Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Activities:
Try these activities for teaching the life cycle of a monarch butterfly!
1.) Color your own monarch life cycle diagram (FREE resource)
You can find the monarch life cycle coloring worksheet on my free resources page. You can access this free resource and all the other free resources when you join my email newsletter.
2.) Monarch Life Cycle Diagram Printables (Paid resource)
3.) The Monarch Story Booklet (Paid resource)
Study Insects with Wild Earth Lab!
There’s no need to scramble to put together the perfect insects lesson – I’ve already created it for you! This set includes all the printable materials you need for studying insects.
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