Download Insect Life Cycle

Metamorphosis
Insect Life Cycle
A rigid exoskeleton requires molting to
grow
• The number of times an insect molts is
specific to the type of insect. Each growth
satge is called an instar.
• After hatching from an egg, the insect is called
the first instar.
• After the first molt, the insect is called the
second instar (and so on).
• Most insects begin their lives as eggs
• The female deposits her eggs in a place where
the emerging young can develop (host plant)
• Insects complete their life cycle in in one of
two ways : simple or complex metamorphosis.
Simple Metamorphosis
• Young insects are called nymphs
• Nymphs molt several times and grow bigger
each time
• Nymphs do not have fully developed wings
• Adults and nymphs usually appear togethre on
the same food plants or in the same habitat
Leaf Footed Bug Metamorphosis
Cricket Life Cycle
Complex Metomorphosis
• The young in a complex metamorphosis are
called larva (plural larvae)
• Larvae look nothing like the adult
• The larvae stage usually does the most feeding
• Larvae often form cocoons
• The main role of the adult is reproduction
• The larvae often appear in different habitats
than adults
Beetle Life Cycle
Lady Beetle Life Cycle
Wasp Life Cycle
Life cycle of a Butterfly