Insect development refers to the process by which insects grow and change from eggs to adults. Most insects undergo a series of stages known as metamorphosis, which can be either complete or incomplete. In complete metamorphosis, insects like butterflies and beetles pass through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage has unique characteristics and functions, allowing the insect to adapt to different environments.
In contrast, insects with incomplete metamorphosis, such as grasshoppers and cockroaches, develop through three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The nymphs resemble smaller versions of the adults and gradually grow larger, shedding their exoskeletons in a process called molting. Understanding