Which of the following best represents the life cycle of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis?

The life cycle of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis consists of four distinct stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. This process is characterized by significant changes in form and structure, where each stage looks and behaves differently from the others.

The egg stage is where the life begins, typically laid in a safe environment conducive to development. Once the larvae emerge, they are in a feeding stage where they grow rapidly. This stage is often characterized by voracious eating which helps them accumulate energy for the next stage. After sufficient growth, the larvae enter the pupa stage, where they undergo dramatic transformation, reorganizing their body structure into the adult form. Finally, the adult insect emerges, fully formed and ready to reproduce, thus continuing the cycle.

Understanding this complete metamorphosis is critical in pest management and control practices since each stage may require different approaches for effective management. This differentiation in life stages highlights the importance of targeting the right phase of the insect cycle for control measures.