What is the immature stage of an insect with gradual metamorphosis?

What is the immature stage of an insect with gradual metamorphosis?

• A. Nymph
• B. Egg
• C. Larva
• D. Pupa

Answer: (A)

In insects that undergo gradual (incomplete) metamorphosis, the life cycle goes from egg to a nymph, then through multiple molts to become an adult. The immature form, the nymph, looks like a smaller, immature version of the adult and gradually reaches full size and reproductive capability with each molt. There is no pupal stage in this type of development. So the immature stage is the nymph. The egg is just the starting stage, and larva or pupa are associated with complete metamorphosis, where the immature forms look very different from the adult.

In insects that undergo gradual (incomplete) metamorphosis, the life cycle goes from egg to a nymph, then through multiple molts to become an adult. The immature form, the nymph, looks like a smaller, immature version of the adult and gradually reaches full size and reproductive capability with each molt. There is no pupal stage in this type of development. So the immature stage is the nymph. The egg is just the starting stage, and larva or pupa are associated with complete metamorphosis, where the immature forms look very different from the adult.