Suggested revision: When Julie visited the museum yesterday, she learned about the life cycle of the butterfly. The scientist at the museum explained the typical process: A butterfly, like all other insects, begins its life as an egg. When the egg hatches, a caterpillar emerges. The caterpillar spends its short life eating leaves on its host plant, growing larger in preparation for its transformation. After about two weeks, the caterpillar attaches itself to a stem and forms a chrysalis, a type of shell that protects it while it changes into a butterfly. After it is finished growing inside the chrysalis, the butterfly emerges. It rests on a leaf or stem while its wings dry and become stronger. When its wings become strong enough, it flies away.