Which type of metamorphosis includes the stages: egg, larva, and pupa?

The correct answer is associated with complete metamorphosis, which is characterized by a distinct transformation throughout its life cycle that includes the stages of egg, larva, pupa, and finally, adult. This type of metamorphosis allows the organism to undergo significant changes in form and function at each stage.

In complete metamorphosis, the larval stage is typically very different in appearance and behavior from the adult stage, allowing the species to exploit different ecological niches. For example, caterpillars (larvae) and butterflies (adults) have very different diets and habitats, which helps reduce competition between the young and adult forms.

This lifecycle is a critical developmental strategy for many insects, as it can enhance survival during different life stages and enable them to adapt to various environmental conditions. Understanding this type of metamorphosis is essential for pest control professionals as it affects the timing and method of control strategies based on the developmental stage of the pests they are targeting.