Which group develops through complete metamorphosis?

Which group develops through complete metamorphosis?

• A. Lacewings, Beetles, Butterflies, Moths, Flies, Bees, Ants, Wasps
• B. Grasshoppers, Crickets
• C. Aphids
• D. Spiders

Answer: (A)

Complete metamorphosis, or holometabolism, means an insect goes through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In these groups the larval forms look very different from the adults, and transformation occurs during the pupal stage. Lacewings, beetles, butterflies and moths, flies, and bees, ants, and wasps all fit this pattern, so they develop through complete metamorphosis. In contrast, grasshoppers and crickets undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs that resemble small adults and no pupal stage. Aphids show a different kind of development with molts that don’t include a true pupal phase. Spiders aren’t insects at all; they’re arachnids and don’t undergo insect-like metamorphosis.

Complete metamorphosis, or holometabolism, means an insect goes through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In these groups the larval forms look very different from the adults, and transformation occurs during the pupal stage. Lacewings, beetles, butterflies and moths, flies, and bees, ants, and wasps all fit this pattern, so they develop through complete metamorphosis.

In contrast, grasshoppers and crickets undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs that resemble small adults and no pupal stage. Aphids show a different kind of development with molts that don’t include a true pupal phase. Spiders aren’t insects at all; they’re arachnids and don’t undergo insect-like metamorphosis.