In complete metamorphosis, which stage is when transformation into the adult form occurs?

• A. Egg
• B. Larva
• C. Pupal
• D. Adult

Answer: (C)

The pupal stage is where transformation into the adult form occurs. In complete metamorphosis, insects go through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva focuses on growth and feeding and looks very different from the adult. During the pupal stage, the larva is usually inactive inside a protective covering, and its tissues and organs are reorganized into the adult’s structures, such as wings, reproductive organs, and antennae. When this transformation is finished, the insect emerges as an adult. A butterfly, for example, goes from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly. The egg is just the initial stage, the larva does most of the feeding, and the adult is the final form after metamorphosis.