holometabolous
/ˌhoʊloʊməˈtæbələs/
adjective
- Describing insects that undergo complete metamorphosis with four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
- Holometabolous insects include butterflies, beetles, bees, and flies.
- Most holometabolous species have a resting pupal stage where the body reorganizes completely.
- The holometabolous life cycle allows larvae and adults to occupy different ecological niches.
Antonyms