From egg, to larva, to pupa, to an adult, watch as a Heliconius caterpillar (a larva) transforms into a butterfly. This clip from Micro Monsters with David Attenborough: Courtship includes a digital look at what goes on inside the chrysalis.
Note: The chrysalis and the cocoon have similar functions, but are not the same. A butterfly forms within a chrysalis, a hardened shell of a pupa. Moths protect themselves within silky woven cocoons during their transformation.
Next: Monarch Butterfly Metamorphosis in HD and The Magnificent Monarchs: Visit a butterfly sanctuary in Mexico.Curated, kid-friendly, independently-published. Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today.