[Biology Class Notes] on Insect Life Cycle Pdf for EXAM

In the normal life cycle of human beings, there is not a significant change in the structure of the body. One thing that changes in body size. When we are born we have two hands, two legs, a head, and a torso. When we grow up we still have the same parts however in contrast the baby insect will look nothing like the adult version of itself. The insect life cycle is very different from that of humans. There are various structural changes that occur during the 4 stages of the life cycle of the insects. 

The life cycle of the insect goes through 4 different stages. These 4 stages of the life cycle are the eggs, larvae, pupa, and adult stage. For instance, the life cycle of the butterfly is one of the most wonderful life cycle representations of insects. The butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis. It starts with the egg and then it is hatched into a caterpillar. After plenty of eating, it transforms into tuna and then eventually it becomes a butterfly. 

The Numerous Stages of the Insect Life Cycle

Here we will have a brief look at the various stages that are associated with the life cycle of an insect.

Egg Stage

The first stage of the insect is the egg stage. Almost all insects begin their life in the form of fertilized egg. These eggs are very tiny and they come in several sizes, shapes, and colors. The insect eggs can be easily found on the branches, leaves, and ground. The moths and the butterflies like laying eggs on the bottom part of the leaves. 

The Larvae Stage

After 2-3 weeks, the eggs get hatched into larvae. The larvae are essentially tiny worm-like insects. The larvae version and the adult version that it will later become look entirely different.  Each of the species of the larvae has a distinct way of hatching. As the larva grows, it keeps on shedding the skin and it is known as molting. 

The Pupa Stage 

Once the larva is done with eating and has stored food, it goes into the pupa stage. At this stage of the life cycle, the insect essentially tends to be motionless, and then keeps on resting until it is ready for the transformation into an adult. At this stage of the life cycle, the insect cannot feed on anything. 

The Adult Stage 

The adult stage is the final step in the life cycle of the insect. Once the pupa is done with the transformation and completed the metamorphosis, it comes out of the cocoon in the form of an adult insect. The adult insect will have wings, antennas, legs, eyes, hair, and the body. One of the primary functions of the adult is to find a mate and reproduce the next generation of the species.