The process of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly is called metamorphosis.

Quick Scoop

  • The caterpillar hatches from an egg and spends time eating and growing; this stage is called the larva stage.
  • It then forms a protective casing called a chrysalis (or pupa), where its body breaks down and is rebuilt into an adult butterfly.
  • The full metamorphosis goes through four main stages: egg → caterpillar (larva) → pupa (chrysalis) → adult butterfly.

In science, this is also called complete metamorphosis, because the insect’s body form changes very dramatically between the young and adult stages.