noun
- a type of insect development in which the organism undergoes complete metamorphosis, passing through distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages
Usage: biology; entomology
Examples
- Butterflies undergo holometabolism, transforming from caterpillars into winged adults.
- Beetles are examples of insects that exhibit holometabolism.
- In holometabolism, the pupal stage is a critical period of reorganization.
- Scientists study holometabolism to understand how insects develop and adapt.
- Holometabolism allows insects like flies and bees to occupy different ecological niches at different life stages.