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Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis Stages

Related Article: Learn more about mosquitoes.

The Monarch butterfly illustrates the four stages of complete metamorphosis, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

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Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis Stages (2:02)

Nymphs represent the second stage of metamorphosis during which insects undergo a series of molts in a few weeks as they grow to adulthood.

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis (1:50)

A young insect that undergoes incomplete metamorphosis strongly resembles the adults.

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis (0:42)

Ants, honeybees, and butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis Stages (9:55)

The Monarch butterfly illustrates the four stages of complete metamorphosis, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

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Metamorphosis: Undergoing Metamorphosis (0:54)

The pupa of ants, flies, and bees differ from the chrysalis of a Monarch butterfly.

Metamorphosis: Adult Stage (0:19)

Adult Monarch butterflies feed on the nectar of flowers.

Metamorphosis: Pupa Stage (5:03)

A Monarch caterpillar spins a silk button, attaches itself, and sheds its skin. The pupa emerges, hardens, and changes color to become a chrysalis.

Metamorphosis: Larva Stage (3:10)

The primary function of insect larvae is to eat as much as possible. Insect larvae protect themselves from predators with warning coloring, bristles, or silk tents.

Metamorphosis: Egg Stage (1:07)

Monarch butterflies lay eggs on milkweed, the food source for young Monarchs.

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis Stages (9:55)

The Monarch butterfly illustrates the four stages of complete metamorphosis, including egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

Metamorphosis: Complete Metamorphosis (0:42)

Ants, honeybees, and butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis (1:50)

A young insect that undergoes incomplete metamorphosis strongly resembles the adults.

Metamorphosis: Incomplete Metamorphosis Stages (2:02)

Nymphs represent the second stage of metamorphosis during which insects undergo a series of molts in a few weeks as they grow to adulthood.