During chrysalis, butterflies basically become soup (2 Viewers)

Ahsoka · 5 February 2026

When going through metamorphosis, the larva releases enzymes that break down large parts of the caterpillar into either chunks of organs or even proteins themselves. These proteins and pieces are then rearranged into the adult butterfly form. However, despite large parts of the body completely breaking down in the process, butterflies can still retain memories gained as a caterpillar.

Ahsoka · 5 February 2026

General facts:
@athenarose @Lexie @Nyaz @Dreamer_of_Songs @Michael @Nina @pinkmelodies @velvet @CoCoM3L0N @ChuuAntics @Moguri @rayhere @Harmony_Starz @PinkJin92

Ahsoka · 5 February 2026

@athenaaa

Harmony_Starz · 5 February 2026

didn't know about the memories thing but I did know the rest for once

TrinityJade · 5 February 2026

I knew about the butterfly soup but I never knew the process behind it

For some reason the memories part surprised me although I feel like it makes sense, because it's technically the same animal...?

Ahsoka · 5 February 2026

TrinityJade said:
I knew about the butterfly soup but I never knew the process behind it

For some reason the memories part surprised me although I feel like it makes sense, because it's technically the same animal...?

It is. In the past some people didn’t think it was possible because they assumed that the process would break down the nervous system to the point that the memories would be damaged, and therefore the butterfly couldn’t remember. But butterflies have been shown to retain memories after all.