Butterfly pupa transformation: What happens inside?

During butterfly pupa transformation, two important processes take place. During histolysis, some larval tissues break down and are reorganized, but not all of the original tissues disappear.

At the same time, histogenesis takes place. During this process, new adult tissues and body structures develop. Imaginal cells and tissue primordia already present in the larva play an important role in this transformation. These can develop into structures such as wings, legs and other adult features.

The length of the pupal stage can vary greatly depending on the species and environmental conditions.