Holometabolous
- Pronunciation
- /hoh-loh-MET-uh-buh-lus/
- Category
- Developmental Biology
- Singular
- Holometabolous
- Plural
- Holometabolous insects
Definition
Referring to insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through distinct egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.
Etymology
From Greek 'holos', meaning 'whole' or 'entire', and 'metabole', meaning 'change'.
Example
Butterflies are holometabolous insects, undergoing a complete metamorphosis from caterpillar to adult butterfly.
Synonyms
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Holometabolous insects exhibit significant changes in form and function at each developmental stage.