Hemimetabolous

Definition

A type of insect development where the immature stages resemble smaller versions of the adult, undergoing gradual changes in appearance and morphology.

Etymology

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

Example

Hemimetabolous insects, like dragonflies, undergo a gradual change in appearance as they molt through nymph stages.

Related Terms

• Nymph
• Incomplete metamorphosis

Usage Notes

Hemimetabolous development contrasts with holometabolous development where there is a distinct pupal stage.