hemimetamorphic
/ˌhɛmɪˌmɛtəˈmɔrfɪk/
adjective
- Relating to or having a type of insect development in which the young gradually change into adults without a pupal stage.
- The hemimetamorphic life cycle of a cicada can take years to complete.
- Dragonflies are hemimetamorphic insects that live in water as nymphs.
- Many hemimetamorphic species have wing buds that grow larger with each molt.
Synonyms