Complete metamorphosis

Pronunciation: /kuhm-PLEET met-uh-MAWR-fuh-sis/

Category: Development

Singular: Complete metamorphosis

Plural: Complete metamorphoses

Definition

A form of insect development that includes four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult, each differing markedly in behavior, habitat, and morphology.

Etymology

From Latin 'completus', meaning 'full' or 'finished', and Greek 'metamorphōsis', meaning 'transformation' or 'change in form'.

Example

Butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, transitioning from caterpillar to chrysalis before becoming a butterfly.

Synonyms

Holometabolism

Related Terms

Metamorphosis
Larva
Pupa
Imago

Usage Notes

Complete metamorphosis contrasts with incomplete metamorphosis, where there is no pupal stage, and juvenile stages progressively resemble the adult form.