About Metamorphosis
Because an exoskeleton cannot expand indefinitely, insects must molt as they grow. Different groups follow different developmental pathways, with complete metamorphosis and incomplete metamorphosis being the two most familiar patterns.
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Egg
Most insect life cycles begin in an egg.
Learn MoreMolting
Young insects shed the exoskeleton repeatedly.
Learn MoreComplete Metamorphosis
Beetles, butterflies, flies, bees, and many others have larva, pupa, and adult stages.
Learn MoreLarvae
Larvae specialize in growth and feeding.
Learn MorePupae
The pupal stage reorganizes the body into the adult form.
Learn MoreIncomplete Metamorphosis
Grasshoppers, true bugs, dragonflies, and several other groups develop through nymph stages.
Learn MoreAdults
Adults are the reproductive stage.
Learn MoreDifferent Strategies
Life-cycle timing can match seasons and food.
Learn MoreEgg
Eggs may be laid on host plants, in soil, in water, inside other organisms, or in protected nests.
Molting
Hormones control the timing and type of molt.
Complete Metamorphosis
Larvae and adults can use different foods and habitats, reducing competition between life stages.
Larvae
Caterpillars, grubs, and maggots are different larval forms.
Pupae
Butterfly chrysalises and moth cocoons are familiar examples, though the pupa itself is inside any surrounding cocoon.
Incomplete Metamorphosis
Nymphs gradually gain adult features instead of entering a pupal stage.
Adults
Many adults also disperse to new habitat, pollinate plants, or migrate.
Different Strategies
Some species complete several generations in a year, while others spend years as larvae.