How many life stages do insects with complete metamorphosis go through?

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis progress through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process allows for drastic changes in morphology and function between different stages, which can contribute to the survival and adaptability of the species.

1. Egg: The first stage occurs when an adult female lays eggs, which will eventually hatch into larvae.

2. Larva: This stage is often focused on growth and typically looks very different from the adult form. Larvae may have different feeding habits and habitats compared to their adult counterparts.

3. Pupa: In this transformative stage, the larva undergoes a remarkable change, reorganizing its body structure to emerge as an adult. This might happen within a chrysalis or cocoon, where the larva is not actively feeding.

4. Adult: The final stage is the mature form, which is capable of reproduction and often has a completely different appearance and lifestyle compared to the larval stage.

This life cycle is distinct from those insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, which typically only have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Understanding the four stages of complete metamorphosis is crucial for pest control professionals, as it