Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Metamorphosis in insects refers to the process of transformation that they undergo from egg to adult. When discussing the types of metamorphosis, it is essential to understand the distinctions between them.

In the case of cockroaches and grasshoppers, they exhibit gradual metamorphosis, also known as hemimetabolism. This type of metamorphosis is characterized by the insect's development occurring through several nymphal stages, which look similar to the adult form but are typically smaller and have undeveloped wings. Each nymphal stage undergoes a series of molts, maturing gradually into an adult without a distinct pupal stage.

This process contrasts with complete metamorphosis, which includes a pupal stage and is observed in insects such as butterflies and beetles. Transitional metamorphosis, while not a standard term in entomology, generally would not apply here. Therefore, understanding the specific developmental pathways of cockroaches and grasshoppers clarifies why gradual metamorphosis is the appropriate classification for them.