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Metamorphosis: Egg Stage

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Monarch butterflies lay eggs on milkweed, the food source for young Monarchs.
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Russian Forests Hit by Caterpillar Invasion

Russian Forests Hit by Caterpillar Invasion (1:03)

Watch this video about caterpillars invading Russian forests on HowStuffWorks. Local officials say up to 800 of the bugs are infesting each single tree in the affected forest areas of the far east Russian Khabarovsk region of Russia. Learn about... More »

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis Stages

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis Stages (2:02)

Nymphs represent the second stage of metamorphosis during which insects undergo a series of molts in a few weeks as they grow to adulthood.

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis (1:50)

A young insect that undergoes incomplete metamorphosis strongly resembles the adults.

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis (0:42)

Ants, honeybees, and butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis Stages

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis Stages (9:55)

The Monarch butterfly illustrates the four stages of complete metamorphosis, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

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Buggin' with Ruud: Hawk Moths

Buggin' with Ruud: Hawk Moths (2:15)

On Animal Planet's "Buggin' with Ruud," host Ruud Kleinpaste studies one of the fastest insects in the world, the hawk moth.

Buggin' with Ruud: Swallowtail Caterpillar

Buggin' with Ruud: Swallowtail Caterpillar (2:49)

On Animal Planet's "Buggin' with Ruud," host Ruud Kleinpaste finds a swallowtail caterpillar, a caterpillar with fake eyes on its back to discourage predators from attacking.

Ms Adventure: Butterfly and Caterpillar Style

Ms Adventure: Butterfly and Caterpillar Style (2:36)

Visit the Studio 54 of the butterfly world on Animal Planet's "Ms. Adventure." Host Rachel Reenstra is introduced to a world of exotic butterflies and caterpillars with colorful patterns used as camouflage and defensive details such as fur and... More »

Fooled by Nature: Monarch Butterfly Migration

Fooled by Nature: Monarch Butterfly Migration (2:52)

On Animal Planet's "Fooled by Nature," witness the marvelous migration of the monarch butterfly. Starting in Central America, the monarch butterfly begins its annual migration back to the United States and Canada.

Fooled by Nature: Bats vs the Underwing Moth

Fooled by Nature: Bats vs the Underwing Moth (1:45)

On Animal Planet's "Fooled by Nature," learn about the clever defense mechanism underwing moths have against bats. When the moth hears the ultrasonic calls of the bat, instincts make the moth dive out of harms way.

Buggin' with Ruud: Caterpillar Protection

Buggin' with Ruud: Caterpillar Protection (2:16)

Learn about protection systems used by caterpillars on Animal Planet's "Buggin' with Ruud."

Metamorphosis: Undergoing Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis: Undergoing Metamorphosis (0:54)

The pupa of ants, flies, and bees differ from the chrysalis of a Monarch butterfly.

Metamorphosis: Adult Stage

Metamorphosis: Adult Stage (0:19)

Adult Monarch butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers.

Metamorphosis: Pupa Stage

Metamorphosis: Pupa Stage (5:03)

A Monarch caterpillar spins a silk button, attaches itself, and sheds its skin. The pupa emerges, hardens, and changes color to become a chrysalis.

Metamorphosis: Larva Stage

Metamorphosis: Larva Stage (3:10)

The primary function of insect larvae is to eat as much as possible. Insect larvae protect themselves from predators with warning coloring, bristles, or silk tents.