Why do caterpillars turn into butterflies?
A caterpillar is a baby butterfly, and changing is how it grows up!
Pip’s answer
- A caterpillar is a baby butterfly, and changing is how it grows up!
- First it munches lots of leaves, munch munch, and gets big and chubby.
- Then it rests inside a snug case called a chrysalis while its body changes.
- Wonder-ful! Out comes a butterfly with brand new wings, ready to fly!
Try it together
Can you curl up snug, then flap your butterfly wings?
For grown-ups
Butterflies go through complete metamorphosis: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, adult. A caterpillar's job is to eat and grow. Inside the chrysalis, most of its body breaks down and is rebuilt into wings, legs and a new body. Having two forms lets the young and adults eat different foods.
Ask your child: Can we look for caterpillars on leaves outside?
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