Endopterygota

The word Endopterygota refers to the development of the wings inside the body. Insects that develop in this way are said to show complete metamorphosis.

In the Endopterygota, the larval stage is totally different from that of the adult, and it is wingless until it reaches the last instar. In many cases the larva feeds on quite different foods and lives in quite different environments from the adult, which gives the species a survival advantage in that it doesn't depend on the same foods or locations throughout its life cycle.

A photograph of the pupae of the Rose chafer (Cetonia aurata). The wings of beetles develop inside the body.

Related terms

• Caterpillar
• Chrysalis
• Complete metamorphosis
• Exopterygota
• Insects
• Instar
• Life cycle
• Life stage
• Pterygota

Related groups of terms

• Broad groups of insects
• Insect life cycles

Related pages on this web site

• Endopterygota

See other words beginning with E