Earwigs are known for which type of metamorphosis?

Earwigs undergo gradual metamorphosis, which is characterized by three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In this type of metamorphosis, the nymphs resemble small adults and go through several molts, gradually developing into their mature form without a distinct pupal stage. This process allows them to maintain a relatively consistent form throughout their development, with subtle changes occurring as they grow. Understanding this process is important for recognizing how earwigs and similar insects develop and adapt in their environments.

In contrast, complete metamorphosis, which involves distinct larval and pupal stages, does not apply to earwigs. This would be the case for insects like butterflies. Incomplete and holometabolous metamorphosis refer to specific types of developmental processes that do not fit earwigs’ growth patterns, as earwigs do not undergo significant differences in form between the nymphs and adults, unlike insects that experience more dramatic changes.