The eggs of butterflies and moths are highly variable and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. The eggs may be deposited singly, in small groups, or in large masses. The female butterfly or moth takes great care in selecting a site to deposit her eggs. The survival of her caterpillars will depend in great part upon her selection of the proper food plant. There are three pairs of jointed legs attached to the thorax and two to five pairs of fleshy prolegs on the abdomen.
Caterpillars have big appetites and as a result they usually grow very rapidly.
After several weeks of growth they change into a pupa. The pupae of moths are frequently covered in silk and are called cocoons. The pupae of butterflies are naked and are referred to a chrysalides. While in the pupal stage the caterpillar takes on the form of the adult butterfly, and after a sufficient period of development, emerges into the world. If all goes well, the new butterfly or moth will find a mate, and the life cycle will continue.