Eumetabola

Eumetabola is a superorder of insects that encompasses all insects exhibiting hemimetabolous metamorphosis, meaning they undergo incomplete metamorphosis. This group is contrasted with the Holometabola, which undergo complete metamorphosis. In hemimetabolous development, the immature stages, known as nymphs, resemble the adult form but lack fully developed wings and reproductive organs. As the nymph molts, it gradually develops these features until it reaches adulthood. This mode of development is considered more primitive than holometabolous development.

The Eumetabola includes several important insect orders, such as the Orthoptera (grasshoppers, crickets), Blattodea (cockroaches, termites), Mantodea (mantises), Hemiptera (true bugs), and Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). Within these orders, the nymphal stages typically inhabit the same environment and consume similar food sources as the adults, although some exceptions exist, such as aquatic nymphs of dragonflies and damselflies. The transition from nymph to adult in Eumetabola is a gradual process of external growth and development, without a distinct pupal stage. This developmental strategy has been successful for a vast array of insect species inhabiting diverse ecological niches.