Insect Orders
Insect Identification: The Basics
Figure a.: Incomplete Metamorphosis
Figure b.: Complete Metamorphosis
What is an Insect
Insect Metamorphosis
The life cycle of insects consist of a series of changes from egg to adult called metamorphosis. There are 2 distinct forms of metamorphosis: incomplete (also called simple) and complete metamorphosis.
Insects that go through incomplete metamorphosis are characterized by the following stages: egg, larva (immature, also called nymph), and adult. These insects do not go through major changes. The young either resemble wingless adults (e.g. Hemiptera) or are only slightly different from their adult stage (e.g. Odonota). Aquatic nymphs are sometimes called naiads.
Insects that go through complete metamorphosis are characterized by the following stages: egg, larva (immature), pupa, and adult. The larva form is very different from the adult form. Maggots (flies), caterpillars (moths and butterflies), and grubs (beetles) are examples of the common names of some insect larvae.