Life Cycle
The life cycle of the Speyeria zerene begin when the pink-tan-colored eggs hatch. Females lay these egss on the died stems and debris o the blue violet (Viola adunca). The larvae, which have spikes on their backs and are dark in color, emerge in the spring. The larvae grow in six stages of development (instars) and feed on the violet until it is time for the larvae to pupate, which they do on the violet. The pupae will remain there for approximately two weeks, until it emerges as a butterfly. The butterfly has a life expectancy of about three weeks. During this time the butterflies mate and feed solely on nectar. Females then lay eggs, and the life cycle starts again.
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