Complete metamorphosis in insects includes which stages?

The stages of complete metamorphosis in insects include the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. This type of development is characterized by significant changes in form and function throughout the life cycle of the insect.

Initially, an insect begins its life as an egg. After a certain period, it hatches into the larval stage, which is often quite different in appearance from the adult. The larva typically focuses on feeding and growing, undergoing several molts as it prepares for the next phase.

The next stage is the pupa, during which the larva undergoes a transformation, reorganizing its body structure to transition into the adult form. This pupal stage is often a time of rest and significant internal change, leading to the final adult stage.

The correct sequence of stages—egg, larva, pupa, and finally adult—is crucial for understanding the biology and life cycle of insects that exhibit complete metamorphosis, as it emphasizes the dramatic changes that occur at each phase.