holometabolous metamorphosis

biology

Also known as: complete metamorphosis

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Holometabolous metamorphosis, also known as complete metamorphosis, is a type of insect development characterized by four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is common in insects like beetles, butterflies, moths, flies, and wasps.12

The larva, which hatches from the egg, looks very different from the adult and is primarily focused on growth and development. It is wingless and has specific forms and habits suited for this stage. The transformation into an adult occurs during the pupal stage, which is a period of inactivity where the larva undergoes significant changes. During this time, adult structures develop, and wings appear externally. This dramatic change in form is regulated by hormones, specifically molting and juvenile hormones. This type of metamorphosis allows larvae and adults to occupy different ecological niches, reducing competition for resources.13

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metamorphosis
Metamorphosis in insects
Complete, or holometabolous, metamorphosis is characteristic of beetles, butterflies and moths, flies, and wasps. Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva (q.v.), pupa (q.v.), and adult. The larva differs greatly from the adult. It is wingless, and its form and habits are
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Complete, or holometabolous, metamorphosis is characteristic of beetles, butterflies and moths, flies, and wasps. Their life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva (q.v.), pupa (q.v.), and adult. The larva differs greatly from the adult. It is wingless, and its form and habits are
Read More

insect
Types of metamorphosis
…and several others, are called holometabolous because larvae are totally unlike adults. These larvae undergo a series of molts with little change in form before they enter into complete metamorphosis, which includes molting first into pupae and then into fully winged adults.
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…and several others, are called holometabolous because larvae are totally unlike adults. These larvae undergo a series of molts with little change in form before they enter into complete metamorphosis, which includes molting first into pupae and then into fully winged adults.
Read More