In complete metamorphosis, which stage is non-feeding and contained in a protective case?

In complete metamorphosis, which stage is non-feeding and contained in a protective case?

• A. Egg
• B. Larva
• C. Pupa
• D. Adult

Answer: (C)

In complete metamorphosis, the life cycle includes four distinct stages, and the one that is non-feeding and enclosed in a protective case is the pupal stage. During this stage the insect is largely inactive, inside a protective wrapping such as a chrysalis or cocoon, while tissues and organs are reorganized to become the adult. The larva is the feeding, growing stage, consuming food to fuel transformation, while the adult typically focuses on reproduction and dispersal and is not contained in a protective case. Eggs don’t feed and aren’t the enclosed transformation stage in the same sense, so the pupal stage best fits the description.

In complete metamorphosis, the life cycle includes four distinct stages, and the one that is non-feeding and enclosed in a protective case is the pupal stage. During this stage the insect is largely inactive, inside a protective wrapping such as a chrysalis or cocoon, while tissues and organs are reorganized to become the adult. The larva is the feeding, growing stage, consuming food to fuel transformation, while the adult typically focuses on reproduction and dispersal and is not contained in a protective case. Eggs don’t feed and aren’t the enclosed transformation stage in the same sense, so the pupal stage best fits the description.