An organism with a complex life cycle goes through several stages of development in which the young experiences major changes in size, form, and appearance at each stage of the cycle called metamorphosis. Metamorphosis may be complete or incomplete.

Complete Metamorphosis

Complete metamorphosis is the kind of life cycle that includes the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. Most insects, like butterflies, flies, and mosquitoes undergo complete metamorphosis.

The egg is the first stage in the life cycle of an insect like the butterfly. Butterflies usually lay eggs on leaves or branches of trees. The place where the eggs are laid serves as food for the eggs when they hatch.

During the larval or second stage of growth, the egg transform into a larva called caterpillar, which is a voracious plant eater.

During the pupal or third stage of growth, the larva stops eating and starts wrapping itself in a hard covering called cocoon. At this stage, it is called pupa or chrysalis. The pupa continues to develop inside the cocoon. When its development is complete, the cocoon breaks and an adult butterfly with wings flies out. When the adult butterfly reproduces, the cycle is repeated.