How are pupae, larvae and nymphs different?

What is the difference between nymphs and larvae?

• Answer:

  Nymphs are a juvenile form of insects that undergo hemimetabolous, or gradual metamorphosis. Nymphs are like "mini-adults" and resemble their adult form. Many winged insects have aquatic nymph young with wing buds. The nymph undergoes successive instars (periods of growth) and molts. Winged insects do not have fully developed wings until after the final molt. Hemimetabolous insects include grasshoppers, cicadas, and mantids which have terrestrial young; and mayflies, stoneflies, and dragonflies which have aquatic young. Larvae are a juvenile form of insects that undergo holometabolous, or complete metamorphosis. The wormlike larvae do not resemble their adult form. After several instars, larva enter a transitional stage called a pupa. Pupae are usually enclosed in a case, and are inactive and nonfeeding. During the final molt, the adult emerges from the pupa. Larvae are commonly known as caterpillars, maggots, bagworms, fuzzy worms, and grubs.