Butterflies - Development And Life Cycle

The adult life of butterflies is only one week for some species, but up to 10 months for others. Adult butterflies spend much of their time courting, mating, and (for females) laying eggs. The females lay eggs on the specific food plant upon which the caterpillar must feed. The eggs are typically laid on leaves, flowers, or stems, but sometimes on tree bark or even stones, leaving the newly hatched caterpillars to find their necessary food plant. A few species of butterfly lay their eggs while in flight, the eggs attaching to food plants as they fall.