Metapod #011

Butterflies undergo metamorphosis, a process where the insect drastically changes its appearance and physiology in stages: egg, larva, pupa, and imago.

A chrysalis is formed when the caterpillar sheds a layer to reveal a hardened layer. The chrysalis is the insect itself. In Ancient Greek, chrysós is the word for gold. Many pupae display a metallic color.

A butterfly finally emerges after transforming under the hardened layer.

Green pupa of the spicebush swallowtail, Papilio troilus

Photograph by Donald W. Hall, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida