How long is the butterfly life cycle?Updated 9 months ago

Approximately 3-5 weeks, depending on the time of year.

 

At the start of the season in March and April, the cycle is generally around 5 weeks, this time reduces as the weather improves, at the height of summer the cycle can be as little as 3 weeks to complete.  As the weather cools in September the cycle will go back to 4-5 weeks.

 

The female butterflies lay eggs 5 to 7 days after emerging from the chrysalis.  The eggs hatch after three days.  Caterpillars emerge from the eggs and usually eat for 7 to 14 days before forming chrysalides. Adult butterflies usually emerge from the chrysalides in 7 to 14 days.  Don’t worry if your caterpillars/chrysalides take a little longer to complete each stage.