看着毛毛虫变成蝴蝶
Butterflies are some of the most spectacular and beautiful creatures on our planet. There's nothing quite like seeing the vibrant color of their wings floating in a clear blue sky.
蝴蝶是地球上最壮观、最美丽的生物之一。没有什么比看到它们的翅膀在湛蓝的天空中充满活力的颜色更好的了。
And isn't it curious that Mother Nature chose caterpillars to be the starting point?
大自然选择毛毛虫作为出发点，难道不奇怪吗?
The process starts when a fully grown caterpillar forms a vessel using nearby twigs and leaves called a chrysalis. This pupa stage can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the species.
这一过程开始于一条完全生长的毛虫用附近的树枝和树叶形成一个容器，称为蛹。这个蛹阶段可以持续几周到几个月不等，这取决于物种。
A hardened case forms around pupa as a protective layer from predators and weather, while the transformation begins inside.
蛹周围形成了一层坚硬的外壳，作为一层保护层，抵御捕食者和天气的侵袭，同时蛹内部也开始发生变化。
A caterpillar transforms into a butterfly. (Photo: Videoblocks)
The process inside the cocoon is quite messy, as enzymes break down some of the caterpillar's structures into a chemical soup of sorts. Only essential parts of its body remain intact.
茧内的过程相当混乱，因为酶会把毛虫的一些结构分解成某种化学汤。只有身体的重要部分完好无损。
One of those essential parts are imaginal discs, which are hidden in the caterpillar's body during its lifespan. Once metamorphosis kicks in, these cells divide and multiply rapidly.
其中一个重要部分是成象盘，成象盘在毛虫的一生中隐藏在它的身体里。一旦变形开始，这些细胞就迅速分裂和繁殖。
The cells eventually overwhelm the caterpillar's immune system and start using the nutrients and materials in the cocoon to form body parts for the butterfly, like eyes, antennae and wings.
这些细胞最终淹没了毛毛虫的免疫系统，并开始利用茧中的营养物质和物质，形成蝴蝶的身体部分，如眼睛、触角和翅膀。
Once the butterfly assembles itself and is ready to emerge, the chrysalis splits open. The newly formed insect will crawl out, but will not fly due to its wet, soft, wrinkled wings.
一旦蝴蝶自己组装好准备出来，蛹就会裂开。新形成的昆虫会爬出来，但不会飞，因为它的翅膀潮湿，柔软，褶皱。
The butterfly then begins to pump a fluid called hemolymph into its wings while they dry, which helps them grow in size and strength.
然后蝴蝶开始在翅膀干燥时将一种叫做血淋巴的液体泵入翅膀，这有助于它们的体型和力量的增长。
Once the wings are ready, the butterfly flaps its way into the air in search of flowers to feed on and mating partners so that the circle of life can continue.
一旦翅膀准备好了，蝴蝶就会扑扇着翅膀飞向空中，寻找花朵和交配对象，这样生命的循环就可以继续下去。
