The caterpillar's main objective is to eat and grow. When it's too big for its skin, the skin will split. This molting happens several times over the next few weeks. Over the next week or so, inside the seemingly lifeless pupa, the caterpillar is transformed into a uniquely beautiful butterfly. It pumps blood into the veins of its wings until they straighten out.
Most butterflies live only two to four weeks.
Mung Some butterflies aren't nectar eaters. For those, and a few others who look for a little diversity in their diets, mung provides the perfect snack. You can whip it up at home. Start with a base of molasses, add old bananas or other rotting fruit. Add enough beer to make the mixture spread easily.