Hemimetabolinen

Hemimetabolinen is a term used in entomology to describe a type of insect metamorphosis. Insects that undergo hemimetabolous development are said to have incomplete metamorphosis. This means that the young, or nymph, that hatches from the egg resembles a smaller version of the adult, but lacks fully developed wings and reproductive organs. As the nymph grows, it molts several times, and with each molt, it becomes more like the adult. This gradual development, where immature stages are called nymphs and resemble the adult form, is characteristic of hemimetaboly.

The life cycle of a hemimetabolous insect typically includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The nymph lives in the same environment as the adult and often consumes the same food. During the nymphal stages, wing buds gradually develop externally. The final molt transforms the nymph into a winged, sexually mature adult. Examples of insects that exhibit hemimetabolous development include grasshoppers, cockroaches, true bugs (Hemiptera), dragonflies, and termites. This developmental strategy contrasts with holometabolous development, which involves a complete metamorphosis with distinct larval, pupal, and adult stages.