Insects with complete metamorphosis develop through four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage has a radically different appearance. Most moths and butterflies go through four or five molts during the larval stage. In butterflies and moths, the larva is also called a caterpillar. The pupa of some species (e.g., the one illustrated here) is called a chrysalid or chrysalis; in other species, the pupa occurs within a silk covering called a cocoon. Credit: David Kidd
