The world of a butterfly

Ready to emerge

When metamorphosis is complete, the shell of the chrysalis becomes papery and translucent, and the adult butterfly can be seen inside.

Thanks to Richard Stickney, Butterfly Curator at the North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, for his help in developing this slideshow. The text of this page is copyright ©2009. All Rights Reserved. Images and other media may be licensed separately; see captions for more information and read the fine print. | About the photograph