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Glite Dictionary
holometabolic

holometabolic

9.9
Changing completely from an egg to an adult through larva and pupa stages
  • adjective
  • /ˌhoʊloʊˈmɛtəˌbɑlɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : holometabólico
  • Butterflies are classic examples of holometabolic insects, passing through distinct larval and pupal stages.

Examples

  • The beetle’s holometabolic development ensures it undergoes a dramatic transformation into its adult form.

  • Scientists compare holometabolic and hemimetabolic life cycles to study insect evolution.

  • The butterfly is a holometabolic insect.

  • Many holometabolic insects undergo drastic changes.

  • Butterflies are classic examples of holometabolic insects, passing through distinct larval and pupal stages.

  • The beetle’s holometabolic development ensures it undergoes a dramatic transformation into its adult form.

  • Scientists compare holometabolic and hemimetabolic life cycles to study insect evolution.

Synonyms

holometabolous
vsholometabolic
  • Specialized
9.9

Insects that change completely from egg to adult, with larva and pupa stages

has identical meaning but uses a different adjective ending

Surface Forms

holometabolic positive

Morphology

holometabolic = metabolic (semi-transparent) = holo + metabolic

The prefix 'holo-' means 'whole' or 'entire', modifying 'metabolic' to indicate a complete process, but the specific entomological context may not be immediately clear.

Etymology

The word holometabolic comes from Greek parts holo- meaning 'whole' and metabole meaning 'change', like the familiar word metamorphosis ('change of form'). So a holometabolic insect goes through a 'whole change' in its life—egg, larva, pupa, adult—which is what we call complete metamorphosis.