The lifespan of butterflies varies significantly among species, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months. Most adult butterflies live for about two to four weeks, while some species, like the Monarch butterfly, can live up to eight months during migration. The duration of their life cycle is influenced by factors such as environmental conditions and availability of food. Butterflies undergo four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The time spent in each stage can affect their overall lifespan. For instance, the caterpillar stage can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the species and environmental factors.