metamorphosis - a complete change of form that an insect undergoes during its development from an egg to an adult.

egg larva pupa adult transformation development growth cocoon chrysalis reorganization wings legs reproduction feeding environment survival life cycle complete metamorphosis biological process change form function hatch worm-like molt instar caterpillar butterfly moth insect metamorphic stages juvenile mature incomplete nymph shedding exoskeleton pupation emergence metamorphosis duration lifecycle transition holometabolism hemimetabolism butterfly insect education chart