Hemimetaboly
Definition
Development through nymphal stages without a pupal stage. Appropriate stage terminology depends on the taxon. An immature insect is not automatically a maggot or a pupa. Identification must precede selection of a developmental reference.
- Context
- Insect development
For example, a nymphal stage without a pupa should not be assigned the developmental timetable of a blow fly undergoing complete metamorphosis.
Related terms
- Accumulated Degree Hours (ADH)
- Accumulated temperature-time above a defined developmental threshold, expressed in degree-hours under a specified model. In a fictional linear model with a base...
- Binomial Nomenclature
- The two-part scientific naming convention using genus and specific epithet. Genus and species are different taxonomic levels. Names and classifications can change....
- Hemimetabolous
- Describing development through immature stages without the pupal stage of complete metamorphosis. Appropriate stage terminology depends on the taxon. An immature insect...
- Holometabolous
- Holometabolous describes an insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis through larval and pupal stages before adulthood, starting from an egg. The adjective describes...
- Holometaboly
- Holometaboly is complete insect metamorphosis involving egg, larval, pupal and adult stages. Insects sharing this developmental pattern can still have very different...
- Instar
- A stage between moults, interpreted using appropriate taxonomic evidence. Typical blow flies have three larval instars, but that count is not a...
- Puparium
- The hardened final larval cuticle surrounding subsequent development in relevant flies, not identical to the pupa. The pupa develops within that enclosure;...
- Spiracle
- An external opening of an insect’s respiratory system; diagnostic details vary by taxon and stage. Spiracles are respiratory openings whose structure can...
- Voucher Specimen
- Retained material supporting the identification and possible re-examination of an organism. Link it to the case, observations, analytical sampling and storage history....