Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

An insect with a nymph or naiad stage would have which type of metamorphosis?

1. Gradual

2. Incomplete

3. Complete

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Incomplete

Insects that develop through a nymph or naiad stage undergo incomplete metamorphosis. This type of metamorphosis is characterized by three distinct life stages: egg, nymph (or naiad, which refers specifically to aquatic nymphs), and adult. The nymph stages resemble smaller versions of the adult but typically lack fully developed wings and reproductive structures. As they mature, these nymphs undergo a series of molts, gradually transforming into the adult form. This contrasts with complete metamorphosis, which involves four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Incomplete metamorphosis indicates that there is no distinct larval or pupal stage present, thus making the earlier stages significantly similar to the adults as they look and function similarly, just in a less mature state.