metamorphosis

The life cycle of the dragonfly. Eggs are usually laid under water and the larvae hatch as free-moving, water-dwelling nymphs. The carnivorous larva lives in the water for several weeks (or even years in some species) and undergoes a series of moults as it grows. It leaves the water when it is ready to undergo its final moult, during which it sheds its ‘skin’ to reveal the winged adult.

The life cycle of a butterfly (painted lady Vanessa cardui). Eggs are laid on plants (usually the underside of leaves) and the larvae (caterpillars) feed on the plant, growing in size until ready to pupate. When the caterpillar is full-sized it forms a chrysalis in which it undergoes transformation from caterpillar to adult butterfly. The life cycle of moths is very similar.

The life cycle of a frog. Frogs lay their eggs (spawn) in fresh, still water. The tadpoles hatch within about two weeks and then over the course of the next three months they grow larger and slowly develop legs and internal gills. By the time they lose their tails they resemble tiny adult frogs and can leave the water.

Period during the life cycle of many invertebrates, most amphibians, and some fish, during which the individual's body changes from one form to another through a major reconstitution of its tissues. For example, adult frogs are produced by metamorphosis from tadpoles, and butterflies are produced from caterpillars following metamorphosis within a pupa.

In classical thought and literature, metamorphosis is the transformation of a living being into another shape, either living or inanimate (for example Niobe). The Roman poet Ovid wrote about this theme.