ametábolos

Ametabola refers to a group of insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis. This means that young insects, called nymphs, resemble smaller, wingless versions of the adult form. They hatch from eggs and molt several times, gradually growing larger and developing their adult characteristics, including wings in species where they are present, over successive instars. There is no pupal stage as seen in holometabolous insects. The primary difference between nymphs and adults is reproductive maturity and, in many cases, the presence of fully developed wings.

Insects that are ametabolous are considered among the most primitive insect orders. Examples include silverfish and springtails. These insects typically live in moist environments, often found in leaf litter, soil, or under rocks. Their diet varies depending on the species, but many are detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter. Due to their simple life cycle and lack of a distinct pupal stage, they are sometimes referred to as "neotenic" in their development, meaning they retain juvenile characteristics into adulthood, though this term is more accurately applied to other contexts. The term "ametabolous" directly translates to "without change" regarding their overall form throughout their post-embryonic development, emphasizing the gradual nature of their growth rather than a radical transformation.