ametabolous

9.9

Insects that change very little as they grow from young to adult

adjective
/ˌæməˈtæbələs/

Specialized

: ametabólico

The silverfish is an example of an ametabolous insect, as it shows little change from nymph to adult.

Examples

Unlike butterflies, which are holometabolous, springtails develop through an ametabolous process.
The ametabolous insects do not undergo significant changes as they grow.
In entomology, ametabolous species are considered more primitive than those that undergo metamorphosis.
Many ametabolous species, like silverfish, remain similar throughout their life.
The silverfish is an example of an ametabolous insect, as it shows little change from nymph to adult.
In entomology, ametabolous species are considered more primitive than those that undergo metamorphosis.
Many ametabolous species, like silverfish, remain similar throughout their life.

Synonyms

ametabolic

vsametabolous

Specialized

9.9

An animal that does not change form much as it grows

is limited to insects and other arthropods rather than any organism

How Much Metamorphosis

holometabolous

Specialized

9.9

hemimetabolous

Specialized

9.9

ametabolous

Specialized

9.9

Surface Forms

ametabolous positive

Morphology

ametabolous = metabolous (semi-transparent) = a + metabol + ous

The prefix 'a-' indicates 'without', and 'metabolous' relates to metamorphosis; however, the specific biological context may not be immediately clear to all learners.

Etymology

The word ametabolous starts with a- meaning 'not' and shares the idea of 'change' you find in metamorphosis. So an ametabolous insect shows 'no big change' as it grows from young to adult.