Stadium

Pronunciation: /STAY-dee-uhm/

Category: Physiology

Singular: Stadium

Plural: Stadia

Definition

An immature developmental stage in the life cycle of insects between two molting periods.

Etymology

From Latin 'stadium', meaning 'a stage or phase', originally from Greek 'stadion' meaning 'a measure of length' or 'a racecourse'.

Example

The larval stadium of the silkworm lasts several weeks before it molts into the pupal stage.

Synonyms

Instar

Related Terms

Molting
Lifecycle
Larva
Pupa

Usage Notes

The term 'stadium' specifically refers to the entire duration between two molts, whereas 'instar' refers to the actual physical form assumed during that period.