Which insects are listed as examples of gradual metamorphosis (insects whose eggs hatch into nymphs that resemble small adults)?

• A. Lacewings, Beetles, Butterflies, Moths
• B. Grasshoppers, Crickets, Earwigs, Aphids, Scales, Mealybugs, Thrips
• C. Bees, Wasps, Ants
• D. Flies, Mosquitoes

Answer: (B)

Gradual metamorphosis means eggs hatch into nymphs that look like small, wingless (or minimally winged) adults, and the insect grows to full size through several molts without a pupal stage. The young resemble the adults and gradually acquire adult features as they molt.

The group that fits this pattern includes grasshoppers, crickets, and earwigs, whose nymphs are miniature versions of the adults. It also includes aphids, scales, and mealybugs, whose immature stages resemble tiny adults, and thrips, whose nymphs similarly look like smaller adults. They all progress to the adult form through successive molts rather than undergoing a separate larval or pupal stage.

Lacewings, beetles, butterflies, and moths undergo complete metamorphosis, with distinct larval or caterpillar stages that look very different from the adults and typically a pupal stage as well. Flies and mosquitoes follow the same pattern of complete metamorphosis.