nymphes

Nymphes is a term that appears in several contexts, most commonly as the plural form of nymph in certain languages, or as a reference to the mythological beings known as nymphs. In English usage, the standard plural of nymph is nymphs, while nymphes can be seen in French and in historical or translated texts. The word also appears in various scientific and literary traditions, where its meaning depends on the surrounding context.

In biology, a nymph is the immature stage of many insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism). Nymphs resemble adults but are typically smaller and sexually immature. They pass through successive molts, gradually attaining adult form and reproductive capability. Examples include grasshoppers, crickets, and many true bugs such as aphids, planthoppers, and cicadas. This contrasts with complete metamorphosis, where the larva looks very different from the adult (as in butterflies and beetles).

In classical mythology, nymphs are minor female deities associated with specific natural features. They are typically depicted as young and beautiful but mortal, or at least not on equal footing with the major Olympian gods. Nymphs are traditionally categorized by their habitat: naiads (water bodies such as rivers and springs), dryads (trees and forests), and oreads (mountainous regions). Other groups include Nereids (sea nymphs) and oreads of different locales. They often appear as companions or attendants of gods and mortals and play roles in various myths and rituals.

The term’s usage varies by language and discipline, with nymphs primarily understood in biology as immature insect stages and in mythology as nature-associated deity figures. See also nymph, naiads, and dryads.