Definition
'Holometabola' describes insects that undergo complete metamorphosis. This means they have a larval stage (e.g., caterpillar), a pupal stage (e.g., chrysalis), and an adult stage (e.g., butterfly). This type of development contrasts with incomplete metamorphosis where the insect gradually changes through molting. Think of it as a complete transformation, a radical change. It is like going from zero to hero in one step.