noun
complete metamorphosis; holometabolism
Entomological term for development through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Contrasts with 不完全変態 (incomplete metamorphosis).
See also: 不完全変態
チョウは完全変態をする昆虫です。
Butterflies are insects that undergo complete metamorphosis.
Incomplete metamorphosis, where the insect develops through egg, nymph, and adult stages without a pupal stage.
Compound of 完全 (complete) and 変態 (metamorphosis), a direct calque of the English term.