

Metamorphosis refers to the way that insects develop, grow and change form. Metamorphosis actually infers “change.” The term is of Latin and Greek origins: meta means change and morphe means form. Metamorphosis describes the series of changes through which an insect passes in its growth from the egg stage (some insects, such as aphids, may produce eggs and/or give birth to live young) through the immature stages (ex., nymph, larva or pupa) to the adult stage.
For nearly three centuries, scientists have abided by a strict body of international rules when naming plants and animals (scientific names). This help to avoid confusion and redundancy when discussing or citing a specific plant or animal.
It appears that scientists are not ready to make a similar leap when it comes to the concept of insect metamorphosis. It can be confusing to amateur entomologists and gardeners alike when different naming conventions are provided by different entomologists for the same insectat least when insect metamorphosis is concerned. Entomology departments within different universities across the USA do not seem to have a consensus for defining types of insect metamorphous.
We elected to use the definitions presented by Dr. Bastiaan M. Drees (Professor & Extension Entomologist, The Texas A&M University System) and Dr. John A. Jackman (Professor & Extension Entomologist, The Texas A&M University System) in their book entitled A Field Guide to Common Texas Insects (Gulf Publishing: Field Guide Series; ISBN 0-87719-263-4).
They describe two forms of insect metamorphosis (Simple Metamorphosis and Complete Metamorphosis):
I. Simple Metamorphosis (Egg > nymph > adult)Insects with simple metamorphosis have three life stages: egg, nymph and adult. Adults and nymphs of these insects usually feed on the same foods. These insects may have wings, which if present, develop externally. Young are known as nymphs and there is no resting stage (pupa).
Note: Some naming conventions provide sub-categories for simple metamorphosis as follows:
1) insects with no metamorphosis or no apparent metamorphosis (such as Springtails, Order: Collembola);
2) insects with incomplete metamorphosis (such as Dragonflies, Order: Odonata); and
3) insects with gradual metamorphosis (such as True Bugs, Order: Hemiptera).
II. Complete Metamorphosis (Egg > Larva (more precisely: larval instars) > pupa > adult )Insects with complete metamorphosis have four (4) life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Larvae are very different in form from the adult. The active immature stages are known generally as larvae.
These insects also have a resting stage known as a pupa. The pupal stage is a transition stage, when the larva is transformed to the adult. Wings, if present, develop internally within a pupa. Pupa molts to the adult form.
Insects with complete metamorphosis include lacewings (Order Neuroptera), beetles (Order Coleoptera), butterflies and moths (Order Lepidoptera), true flies (Order Diptera) and wasps and bees (Order Hymenoptera). In some insect orders, larvae are referred to by other names, such as maggots (flies), caterpillars (butterflies and moths) or grubs (beetles). Larvae of insects with complete metamorphosis usually have chewing mouthparts; many are pests of various crops.
There several additional naming conventions utilized by various university entomologists to describe insect metamorphosis. Examples include:
Without Metamorphosis, Gradual Metamorphosis, Incomplete Metamorphosis & Complete Metamorphosis
Simple Metamorphosis & Complex Metamorphosis
Simple Metamorphosis & Complete Metamorphosis
Incomplete Metamorphosis & Complete Metamorphosis
Simple Metamorphosis, Gradual Metamorphosis & Complete Metamorphosis
Yes, there is a confusing (and/or perplexing) variety of naming conventions used by different scientists to describe insect metamorphosis. However, each approach seeks to address the process of metamorphosis in varying detail and precision.
The important concept that amateur entomologists and gardeners should understand is that an awareness of an insect’s metamorphosis provides important information on the life cycle of an insect. Whether an insect is considered a pest or beneficial, understanding its life cycle can help us learn how to attract/maintain beneficial insects and control/manage insect pests!