The butterfly pupa, also called a chrysalis, is attached to a stem or some other support and usually is much more exposed than a moth pupa. At this stage a dramatic transformation takes place. Many of the internal organs, muscles and nerves dissolve and the resulting fluids form new structures, producing a creature whose appearance and function are entirely different. The adult butterfly or moth emerges by splitting the pupal shell, spends several hours pumping fluid into its wings and hardening them, and then flies off. Male and female mate and the female then lays her eggs.
Butterflies live only a few days to several months.
Butterflies can be attracted to gardens by providing the kind of plants that the caterpillars feed on, as well as plants that produce flowers that are particularly attractive to the adults. Plants that are eaten by caterpillars or particularly pretty butterflies include milkweed, nettles, parsley, fennel, spicebush, and willow. Most butterflies are harmless and do not require control in the garden. Some varieties of butterflies such as tortoiseshells, angelwings and many satyrs are rarely attracted to flowers. Tree sap and rotting fruit is their primary food source.