How Long Do Butterflies Live?
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The question of butterfly longevity can be addressed in one of two different ways.
The entire butterfly life cycle, from egg to larvae to pupa to adult can span a few months to a year, depending on the species.
The life span of an adult butterfly also differs from species to species. Some species such as Monarch Butterflies and Red Admirals are known for their long migrations. Adults fly great distances to overwinter in warm areas, prior to flying north for breeding season.
Other butterfly species typically live a week or two, usually a sufficient amount of time to mate and produce a new generation.
Taking notice of the butterfly species in one specific area over the course of the spring, summer and fall months, usually provides more specific information on the life spans of the native species.
Some species produce only one brood of young during the course of a year, while other species produce multiple broods.
Over the course of a couple months investigation, the careful observer often discovers that a group of butterfly species tend to appear, only to be replaced by another group of butterfly species one month later.
© 2011. Patricia A. Michaels. All Rights Reserved.