Holometabolous insects undergo complete metamorphosis in which sequence?

Holometabolous insects undergo complete metamorphosis in which sequence?

• A. Egg, larva, pupa
• B. Egg, larva, pupa, and adult
• C. Egg, pupal, larva, adult
• D. Egg, larva, adult, pupa

Answer: (B)

In holometabolous insects, development goes through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva is usually worm-like and focused on growth and feeding, while the adult is specialized for reproduction and dispersal. The pupal stage is a transformative, non-feeding phase where tissues and organs are reorganized to become the adult form. Because of that, the correct sequence must be egg → larva → pupa → adult. Sequences that miss a stage, skip the pupal phase, or place the adult before the pupal stage don’t reflect complete metamorphosis.

In holometabolous insects, development goes through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The larva is usually worm-like and focused on growth and feeding, while the adult is specialized for reproduction and dispersal. The pupal stage is a transformative, non-feeding phase where tissues and organs are reorganized to become the adult form. Because of that, the correct sequence must be egg → larva → pupa → adult. Sequences that miss a stage, skip the pupal phase, or place the adult before the pupal stage don’t reflect complete metamorphosis.