Hemimetabolous

Definition

Referring to insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they do not have a pupal stage and develop through a series of nymphal stages that gradually resemble the adult form.

Etymology

From Greek 'hemi-', meaning 'half', and 'metabole', meaning 'change'.

Example

Hemimetabolous insects, such as grasshoppers and cockroaches, develop from nymphs that look similar to their adult forms but are smaller and lack fully developed wings and reproductive organs.

Synonyms

• Incomplete metamorphosis

Related Terms

• Nymph
• Metamorphosis
• Exopterygota

Usage Notes

Hemimetabolous insects contrast with holometabolous insects, which undergo complete metamorphosis and include a pupal stage.