The butterfly life cycle consists of four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. The cycle begins when a female butterfly lays eggs on a host plant. After a few days, the eggs hatch into caterpillars, which eat leaves and grow rapidly. Once fully grown, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis, where it undergoes metamorphosis. Inside the chrysalis, the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. After a couple of weeks, the adult butterfly emerges, ready to start the cycle again by laying eggs. This fascinating process showcases the incredible transformation of butterflies.