Which stage is present in complete metamorphosis but not in gradual metamorphosis?

Which stage is present in complete metamorphosis but not in gradual metamorphosis?

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

Answer: (A)

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis go through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The pupal stage is the resting transformation phase where the larva becomes the adult. In contrast, gradual metamorphosis has three stages—egg, nymph, and adult—and the nymphs resemble smaller adults without any pupal stage. Because the pupal stage is unique to complete metamorphosis, it’s the stage present in complete metamorphosis but not in gradual metamorphosis. Eggs appear in both, larvae are characteristic of complete metamorphosis, and nymphs appear in gradual metamorphosis.

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis go through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The pupal stage is the resting transformation phase where the larva becomes the adult. In contrast, gradual metamorphosis has three stages—egg, nymph, and adult—and the nymphs resemble smaller adults without any pupal stage. Because the pupal stage is unique to complete metamorphosis, it’s the stage present in complete metamorphosis but not in gradual metamorphosis. Eggs appear in both, larvae are characteristic of complete metamorphosis, and nymphs appear in gradual metamorphosis.