Metamorphosis is a key factor in the success of insects. It can provide the following benefits:

• Eliminates competition: Metamorphosis allows juvenile and adult insects to occupy different niches, preventing competition between the two.

• Provides protection: Metamorphosis can provide protection from winter, such as a hard pupal case.

• Provides different food sources: Metamorphosis provides different food sources for adults and juveniles.

• Allows insects to exploit food resources: Metamorphosis allows insects to exploit valuable food resources while still being able to disperse into new habitats as winged adults.

• Allows young to hatch and find food sooner: Metamorphosis allows young to hatch and find their food much sooner.

• Allows for extensive change in microbiota: Metamorphosis may allow for an extensive change in microbiota between the larval and adult stages. 

Metamorphosis is most common in insects.

Other animals that undergo metamorphosis include amphibians, such as frogs, butterflies, grasshoppers, cockroaches, and dragonflies.