Identification
holometabolous adjective - indicating an insect that undergoes complete
metamorphosis. Holometabolous insects have a four-stage life cycle
(1):
2-
larva, typically worm-like with several stages (
instars)
3-
pupa (resting, transformative stage)
4-
imago (adult, sexual stage, typically winged)
The following orders of insects are holometabolous:
Neuroptera - Antlions, Lacewings and Allies
Hymenoptera - Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies
Trichoptera - Caddisflies
Lepidoptera - Butterflies and Moths
Mecoptera - Scorpionflies, Hangingflies and Allies
Strepsiptera - Twisted-winged Insects
This group is referred to as
Endopterygota or
Holometabola.
Contributed by
Cotinis on 24 May, 2007 - 10:06pm
Last updated 19 February, 2009 - 8:30pm