Ametabola

Definition

A group of insects that do not undergo metamorphosis; they hatch from eggs into miniature adults and grow gradually without a pupal stage.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-', meaning 'without', and 'metabolē', meaning 'change'.

Example

Silverfish belong to the group Ametabola, developing directly into adult forms without a metamorphic process.

Synonyms

• Non-metamorphosing insects

Related Terms

• Metamorphosis
• Hemimetabola
• Holometabola

Usage Notes

Ametabolous development is considered primitive compared to the more complex metamorphosis seen in other insect groups.