One of the most famous examples of metamorphosis in the world, the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly fascinates children and adults alike. After hatching from a tiny egg, caterpillars eat almost constantly for a week or two, until they have enough stored energy to begin their metamorphosis. Then, they hang upside down from a branch or stem, develop into a chrysalis, and shed their caterpillar skin. After a few more weeks, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis to begin the cycle all over again.