The pupa quickly forms a hard shell or chrysalis around it and gradually metamorphoses inside. The new wings are damp and crumpled, but soon dry out and flatten in the sun. After an hour or so, it is ready to fly away. It takes anything from a few days to a year for the pupa to turn into an adult. At last, it is ready to break the shell and emerge into the light.
Few insects change so much during their life cycle as a butterfly or moth.
It begins life as an egg, then hatches into a long wiggly larva called a caterpillar. The caterpillar eats leaves greedily and grows rapidly. When it is big enough, the caterpillar makes itself a case, which may be either a cocoon or a chrysalis. When it is ready, it breaks out and flies away. Migrating butterflies Butterflies don't look like strong fliers, but species like the painted lady migrate huge distances to escape cold winters.