The process by which a caterpillar becomes a butterfly is called metamorphosis. This fascinating transformation involves several stages. First, a female butterfly lays eggs on a suitable host plant. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillar, or larva, emerges and begins to eat and grow. After accumulating enough nutrients, the caterpillar forms a chrysalis or pupa, where it undergoes significant internal and external changes. During this stage, the caterpillar's tissues are broken down and reformed into the adult butterfly. Finally, the fully developed butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, expanding its wings and preparing for its first flight, marking the completion of its life cycle.