The process by which a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly is called metamorphosis. This biological process involves several stages: the larval stage (caterpillar), the pupal stage (chrysalis), and finally the adult stage (butterfly). During metamorphosis, the caterpillar undergoes drastic anatomical changes, including the breakdown of larval tissues and the formation of adult structures. This transformation is critical for the life cycle of butterflies, allowing them to adapt and thrive in their environments through different feeding strategies and reproductive behaviors.