What is the term used to describe the change of form in an insect?

The term that describes the change of form in an insect is metamorphosis. Metamorphosis refers specifically to the developmental process in which an insect undergoes a significant transformation from one life stage to another, often involving dramatic changes in body structure and function. Common examples of metamorphosis in insects include the transformation from larva to pupa to adult in butterflies and beetles. This biological process is crucial for growth and development, allowing insects to adapt to various stages of their life cycle.

The other terms don't accurately represent the specific change in form seen in insects. Regression typically refers to a return to a less advanced or less complex state, which does not apply to insect development. Adaptation refers to the process by which a species becomes better suited to its environment over time, and evolution is a broader term that encompasses the changes in populations and species over generations due to natural selection and other factors. Neither adaptation nor evolution specifically captures the individual and immediate transformation involved in metamorphosis.