Monarch Butterflies

The monarch life cycle

Last updated: December 09, 2025

Every monarch adult you see has gone through three distinct life stages before reaching adulthood: egg, larvae (caterpillar), and pupa (chrysalis). 

The time spent at each stage will vary based on factors like temperature. When you see a monarch egg, how long will it take before that egg becomes a caterpillar? Take a look a the graphic below, and consider how your weather may affect its development.

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