What type of insects typically undergo complete metamorphosis?

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis experience a life cycle consisting of four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process allows for significant changes in form and function as the insect develops. Butterflies are an excellent example of this type of metamorphosis.

Starting from an egg, the caterpillar (larva) emerges and focuses primarily on growth and eating. After reaching a certain size, the caterpillar enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis or cocoon. During this time, significant transformation occurs, culminating in the emergence of a fully formed adult butterfly. This drastic change from a crawling caterpillar to a flying butterfly exemplifies the complete metamorphosis process.

In contrast, the other choices represent insects that do not undergo complete metamorphosis. Cockroaches and ants undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which involves only three stages (egg, nymph, adult), while beetles also undergo complete metamorphosis but are not the best example compared to butterflies, which are well-known for their distinct transformation.