The initial stage of a butterfly's life cycle is known as the egg stage. The life cycle of a butterfly includes four main stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Female butterflies lay eggs on host plants, carefully selecting suitable leaves for the future caterpillars to feed on once they hatch. The eggs are usually small and can be round, oval, or cylindrical in shape. This egg stage lasts for several days to weeks, depending on the species and environmental conditions, before the caterpillar emerges, beginning a transformative journey to becoming an adult butterfly.