The lifespan of a butterfly varies significantly by species, but most adult butterflies live only one to two weeks. However, some species can hibernate during the winter and live for several months.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Short-Lived Butterflies: Many of the smaller butterfly species have very short lifespans, primarily focused on reproduction. These might only live for a few days to a couple of weeks.
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Medium-Lived Butterflies: Other species can live for a month or two.
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Long-Lived Butterflies (Overwintering Species): Certain butterflies, like the Monarch, can live for several months. They accomplish this by entering a state of diapause (a period of dormancy) during the colder months. This allows them to survive through the winter and reproduce in the spring. These butterflies can live for up to 9 months.
Therefore, the answer depends heavily on the specific species of butterfly.
