Science Fact Finder | The Animal World - What Are The Stages Of Insect Metamorphosis?

What are the stages of insect metamorphosis?

There are two types of metamorphosis (marked structural changes in the growth processes): complete and incomplete. In complete metamorphosis, the insect (such an ant, moth, butterfly, termite, wasp, or beetle) goes through all the distinct stages of growth to reach adulthood. In incomplete metamorphosis, also called metamorphosis," the insect (such as a grasshopper, cricket, or lice) does not go through all the stages of complete metamorphosis.

Complete Metamorphosis

Egg—One egg is laid at a time or many (as many as ten thousand).

Larva—What hatches from an egg is called a "larva." A larva can look like a worm.

Pupa—After reaching its full growth, the larva hibernates, developing a shell or a "pupal case" for protection. A few insects (e.g., the moth) spin a hard covering called a "cocoon." The resting...

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