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hemimetabolous metamorphosis

biology
Also known as: gradual metamorphosis, hemimetabola, incomplete metamorphosis(Show More)

Quick Summary

Hemimetabolous metamorphosis, also known as incomplete metamorphosis, is a type of insect development. Insects undergoing this process, such as grasshoppers and true bugs, have a life cycle consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult.123

The nymph resembles a smaller version of the adult and shares similar habits, differing mainly in size and the absence of fully developed reproductive organs and wings. As the insect grows, it molts its exoskeleton multiple times. With each molt, the nymph develops more adult-like features, including rudimentary wings that grow externally. The final molt results in the emergence of the winged adult. This gradual development contrasts with complete metamorphosis, where the insect passes through a larval and pupal stage, with the larva being distinctly different from the adult.132

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