Comparing Insect Life Cycles M ETAMORPHOSIS

I NSECTS ARE E VERYWHERE Look around you. Chances are, there is an insect nearby.

M ETAMORPHOSIS  As you have learned previously, insects go through a life cycle.

C OMPLETE M ETAMORPHO SIS Some insects change drastically …. Egg to larva Larva to pupa Pupa to adult Adult lays eggs

 Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis have four distinct life cycle stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.  During the insect’s larva stage, it grows and stores up energy needed for the next developmental stage (pupa), by eating large quantities of food.  As an insect enters its pupa stage, it forms a harder outer shell for protection. The insect will remain as still as possible, in order to use its energy toward the transformation process into an adult.  The adult insects no longer grow in size, but focus their energy on gathering food and reproduction. C OMPLETE M ETAMORPHOSIS

I NCOMPLETE M ETAMORPHOSI S …while others just grow larger. Egg to Nymph Nymph to Adult Adult Lays Eggs

I NCOMPLETE M ETAMORPHOSIS  Insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis have three distinct life cycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult.  Nymphs often closely resemble the adult, but are smaller in size and lack wings.  Nymphs shed their exoskeleton as they grow, and do not develop wings until they are adults.  Adult insects focus their energy on survival and reproduction.

S O, W HAT ’ S THE D IFFERENCE ? 4 stages – larva, pupa, adult, egg egg 3 stages- nymph, adult, egg pupa is called a chrysalis or cocoon adult larva look different than the adult adults usually have wings nymphs look like wingless adults darkling beetlelife cyclecockroach moth praying mantis bee grasshopper Complete Metamorphosis Both Incomplete Metamorphosis