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search Hymenoptera holometabolism  Holometabolism, also called
complete metamorphism, is a term applied to insect groups to
describe the specific kind of insect development which includes
four life stages – as an embryo or egg, a larva, a pupa and an
imago or adult. Holometabolism is a monophyletic trait common to
all insects in the superorder Endopterygota. In some species the
holometabolous life cycle prevents larvae from competing with
adults because they inhabit different ecological niches.
Accordingly, their morphology can be adapted to just one phase
of activity, such as larvae feeding for growth and development,
as opposed to adults flying for dispersal and seeking new
supplies of food for their offspring. Conversely, in some
insects, the adults can protect and feed the younger stages.
There are four developmental stages, each with its own
morphology.   The first stage is from the fertilization of the
egg inside the mother until the embryo ha