What Happens Inside Cata's Cocoon?

When Cata is ready to transform, she'll spin a chrysalis from silk — this protective case is stronger than steel of the same thickness.

Inside the chrysalis, Cata's entire body will dissolve into a liquid called 'caterpillar soup' — this sounds gross but it's actually how nature recycles her body parts.

Special cells called imaginal discs stay intact during metamorphosis — these are like blueprints that tell Cata's body how to rebuild into a butterfly.

The transformation from caterpillar to butterfly takes about two weeks — during this time, Cata will be completely still and invisible to the outside world.

Cata's ten body segments will reorganize into a butterfly's three main sections — her head, thorax, and abdomen will look completely different after transformation.

Wings will grow inside the chrysalis from tiny structures Cata already has — these wing buds have been hiding under her exoskeleton the whole time.

Cata's prolegs will disappear, replaced by six true legs and wings — she'll lose her crawling ability but gain the power of flight.

The chrysalis changes color as Cata develops inside — it might turn from green to brown or even metallic, signaling that transformation is complete.

Some chrysalises can survive freezing temperatures — if Cata pupates in winter, she can enter a special sleep called diapause until spring arrives.

When Cata emerges as a butterfly, she'll be completely new but still herself — her unique constellation spots might appear on her wings as faint markings.