imago

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imago

zoology

Also known as: adult insect, spinner

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June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

In zoology, the imago refers to the final, adult, and sexually mature stage of an insect. This stage is typically winged and represents the insect's fully developed form after undergoing metamorphosis.12

Some insects, like mayflies, have an intermediate stage called the subimago. This stage occurs between the nymph and the imago. While the subimago can fly, it must molt one more time to reach its final adult form. The term "imaginal" is an adjective relating to the imago stage.34

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reproduction
Life cycles of animals
…and an adult stage (imago). One remarkable aspect of this development is that, during the transition from caterpillar to adult, most of the caterpillar tissue disintegrates and is used as food, thereby providing energy for the next stage of development, which begins when certain small structures (imaginal disks) in…
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…and an adult stage (imago). One remarkable aspect of this development is that, during the transition from caterpillar to adult, most of the caterpillar tissue disintegrates and is used as food, thereby providing energy for the next stage of development, which begins when certain small structures (imaginal disks) in…
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Diptera
Adult
The adult fly emerges from the pupa soft and crumpled with a colourless skin (integument) and perfectly formed (though not fully pigmented) hairs and bristles. The newly emergent adult swallows air to expand its body and wings and to force blood through its body.…
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The adult fly emerges from the pupa soft and crumpled with a colourless skin (integument) and perfectly formed (though not fully pigmented) hairs and bristles. The newly emergent adult swallows air to expand its body and wings and to force blood through its body.…
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insect
Role of hormones
many insects exhibit polymorphism as adults. For example, the worker and reproductive castes in ants and bees may be different, termites have a soldier caste as well as reproductives and persistent larvae, adult aphids (Homoptera) may be winged or wingless, and some butterflies show striking seasonal or sexual dimorphism. The…
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many insects exhibit polymorphism as adults. For example, the worker and reproductive castes in ants and bees may be different, termites have a soldier caste as well as reproductives and persistent larvae, adult aphids (Homoptera) may be winged or wingless, and some butterflies show striking seasonal or sexual dimorphism. The…
Read More

mayfly
Life cycle
…the last time, and the imago, or adult stage (sometimes called a spinner), emerges. Mayflies are the only insects that molt after developing functional wings. The subimago resembles the imago in overall appearance, although it is softer and duller in color than the adult. The wings of the subimago, generally…
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…the last time, and the imago, or adult stage (sometimes called a spinner), emerges. Mayflies are the only insects that molt after developing functional wings. The subimago resembles the imago in overall appearance, although it is softer and duller in color than the adult. The wings of the subimago, generally…
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periodical cicada
Physical description
Known as imagoes, adult periodical cicadas are large, sturdy insects with characteristic red eyes and a black thorax. The underside of the abdomen may be solid black or orange or striped in those colors, depending on the species. The large wings are longer than the body and…
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Known as imagoes, adult periodical cicadas are large, sturdy insects with characteristic red eyes and a black thorax. The underside of the abdomen may be solid black or orange or striped in those colors, depending on the species. The large wings are longer than the body and…
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