During the larva stage the caterpillar ate milkweed until it went into a "J" form. Below is a picture of the pupa stage.
The caterpillar rests in its chrysalis until it changes into a butterfly. This is called metamorphosis. Below is the butterfly stage.
The caterpillar changed into a butterfly and broke free from its chrysalis. It flapped its wings for a while and then flew off to a warmer place.
