Butterflies are a class of insects that are known for their brightly colored wings and tendency to fly during the day. They belong to the true butterfly family and have evolved alongside flowering plants as both food and pollinators since the Cretaceous period.

There are approximately 20,000 species of butterflies recorded worldwide, making them one of the most diverse groups of insects.

Butterflies have a unique life cycle that is divided into four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is known as complete metamorphosis, which helps higher insects to adapt to harsh environments and become successful in competitive living conditions.

The female butterflies typically seek out suitable host plants and lay their eggs on leaf bases or shoots. The larvae of butterflies are highly specific in their diet, and only eat certain types of plants. Some butterflies lay several eggs on the same leaf, while others lay their eggs in different places one by one.

A few days after the eggs are laid, the tiny larvae hatch and begin to eat their own eggshells before moving on to the host plant. They are called first instars at this stage.

The larvae's shells do not grow as they develop, so they shed their old shells when they have grown to a certain extent. A typical butterfly will shed its skin 4-6 times during the larval stage and will eat its old skin each time.

As the larvae continue to grow, they will go through several more stages, called instars, before they reach the pupal stage. The last molt before the pupal stage is called pupation.

While most butterflies are herbivorous, there are some species, such as the aphid and Flos Chinensis, whose larvae are carnivorous and will eat aphids. The lifespan of butterflies varies greatly depending on the species.

Some have a lifespan of up to 11 months, while others live for only 2-3 weeks. Adult butterflies typically live for 2 weeks, and the whole life cycle can last for more than one month.

However, butterflies born in the winter have a longer lifespan, while those in tropical areas generally have a shorter lifespan of 10-15 days. Female butterflies will die after laying eggs. Male butterflies can live for 20 years without mating, but their lifespan is short after mating, some only 2-3 days.

In conclusion, Butterflies are fascinating insects with a unique life cycle, diverse diet, and a wide range of lifespans. Their beauty and importance to the ecosystem make them an important subject of study and a beloved subject for many nature enthusiasts.