19 Before And After Photos Of Butterfly And Moth Transformations

There may be no greater transformation than a moth to a butterfly. Since grade school the incredible phenomena is described and witnessed, a slithery little caterpillar crawls about for a bit before wrapping itself tightly into a cocoon. And the next thing you know, a beautiful winged butterfly emerges.

The actual process going on within the cocoon is truly amazing. Once wrapped up tightly, caterpillars literally melt down into a liquid, during which time they only retain the starting points for their most important features, including the eyes and wings.

Generally you see a caterpillar, or you see a butterfly, and sometimes you are lucky enough to see a cocoon, but unless you have a pet moth or butterfly you don’t see before and after photos of the same creature wearing different skin.

Moths and butterflies are very similar, in fact the more science uncovers about these magical winged creatures, the more blurred their differences appear. Moth, butterfly, or caterpillar, call it what you will, here are some of the most amazing before and after transformations of this dynamic creature.

Spicebush Swallowtail

Phobetron Pithecium

Located in the Limacodidae moth family, the larva are known as monkey slugs.

Acharia Stimulea

This type of caterpillar and butterfly is found all throughout the United States and is most popular for its larval stage. Also known as the Saddleback Caterpillar, their bright color patterns and venomous spines make this species really stand out.

Glasswing Butterfly

The glasswing butterfly is unique for more than just its transparent wings. These butterflies display unusually long migrations and the males serve no reproductive purpose.

Fun fact: Even though caterpillars are liquified prior to turning into a butterfly, science has uncovered that some butterflies are able to retain information learned when they were just a caterpillar.

Acraga Coa

In 2012 this stunning semi-translucent caterpillar went viral, the creature was spotted by wildlife photographer Gerardo Aizpuru while in Cancun, Mexico. The larvae was identified on a mangrove tree leaf.

Caterpillars belonging to this same Dalceridae moths family are so gooey in appearance that they are often referred to as “slug caterpillars.” There are many different variations of this species, all with unique markings–before and after their transformation.

Isochaetes Beutenmuelleri

This moth belongs to the Limacodidae family and can be found from New York to Florida, and as far west as Texas and Colorado.

Hubbard’s Small Silkmoth

Caterpillars, moths, and butterflies use their dynamic color patterns to fool their predators. It’s very tricky to tell where their mouth and eyes are located, and their bright color patterns come off as threatening, and a sign of danger to others.

Flannel Moth

Grandma’s knitting supplies or a caterpillar?! This moth was first discovered way back in 1797, and is often referred to as a “puss caterpillar” because of its resemblance to a fluffy pussy cat!