201 likes | 582 Views
Metamorphosis. Comparing Insect Life Cycles. Insects are Everywhere. Look around you. Chances are, there is an insect nearby. Metamorphosis. As you have learned previously, insects go through a life cycle. Complete Metamorpho sis. Some insects change drastically …. Egg to larva.
E N D
Metamorphosis Comparing Insect Life Cycles
Insects are Everywhere Look around you. Chances are, there is an insect nearby.
Metamorphosis • As you have learned previously, insects go through a life cycle.
Complete Metamorphosis Some insects change drastically …. Egg to larva Adult lays eggs Larva to pupa Pupa to adult
Complete Metamorphosis • Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis have four distinct life cycle stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. • During the insect’s larva stage, it grows and stores up energy needed for the next developmental stage (pupa), by eating large quantities of food. • As an insect enters its pupa stage, it forms a harder outer shell for protection. The insect will remain as still as possible, in order to use its energy toward the transformation process into an adult. • The adult insects no longer grow in size, but focus their energy on gathering food and reproduction.
Incomplete Metamorphosis …while others just grow larger. Adult Lays Eggs Nymph to Adult Egg to Nymph
Incomplete Metamorphosis • Insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis have three distinct life cycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult. • Nymphs often closely resemble the adult, but are smaller in size and lack wings. • Nymphs shed their exoskeleton as they grow, and do not develop wings until they are adults. • Adult insects focus their energy on survival and reproduction.
So, What’s the Difference? Complete Metamorphosis Both Incomplete Metamorphosis