How long can a butterfly live for once it emerges from its cocoon?

markswood

The average lifespan for an adult butterfly is 20 to 40 days. Some species live no longer than three or four days; others may live up to six months. Ref: http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/butterflies.php Jun 30 08, 8:08 AM

zbeckabee

A complete answer to this seemingly simple question is more complex than expected, as life span varies among species. Within a species, life span may also depend upon latitude, time of year, and even local weather conditions. Marking studies suggest that winged adults of many (and perhaps most) species live only a week or two, and that the male tends to live a few days less than the female. However, in some species, the adult life span of some generations may be much longer. For example, in some species, adults that emerge in late summer or early fall hibernate overwinter in a sheltered spot. Also fall-hatched monarch butterflies migrate south in fall and northward in spring. Adults of these species may survive for 8-9 months or longer. http://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/faq/lifespan Jun 30 08, 8:49 AM