Butterfly Season
The peak butterfly season is during summer, a time of warm and sunny weather. However, some species are most commonly found during spring. During autumn, most butterflies would have laid their eggs, ensuring the next generation of butterflies for the coming year. Though less common, there are some species with the ability to hibernate throughout winter. In Singapore, we experience butterflies of the summer variety.
Extensible Proboscis
The proboscis of the butterfly acts as a paired tubular feeding structure with a forked tip. It is located in between the eyes but below them. It is roughly 1-2cm. When at rest, the proboscis is tightly coiled against its head. However, while feeding (on nectar), the proboscis unfurls to extend downward towards the centre of the flower. The proboscis is sized according to the size of the butterfly.
Its Lifecycle
from egg to butterfly
The first stage is the egg, followed by the larva, chrysalis then the adult butterfly. Butterfly eggs are very small in size, and are round, oval or cylindrical in shape. The shape of the eggs depends on the type of butterfly that lays the eggs. These eggs are usually laid on the leaves of plants. This stage lasts for about 10 days. When the eggs hatch, butterfly larvae, or caterpillars, emerge. During this stage, the larvae mainly just eat. Their diet consists of the leaf they were laid on (as eggs). They stop growing when they reach their full weight. This stage usually lasts for about 3 weeks. Then, they transition into the chrysalis stage. Within the chrysalis, they undergo rapid metamorphosis. After 2 to 3 weeks, they are then ready to enter the final stage: the adult butterfly. When the butterfly first emerges from the chrysalis, its wings are wet, soft and folded against its body. This is due to the fact that all its new parts had to fit inside the chrysalis. After it has fully rested, it will pump blood to its wings to get them working. Then, it is ready to fly. Usually, a butterfly will master flying and find a mate to reproduce with within 3 to 4 hours. Lastly, after mating, the female butterfly will lay its eggs on a leaf and the cycle will repeat over again.