Question

Name the four stages of the life cycle given in the diagram.

(a) Eggs → Pupa → Larva → Adult
(b) Pupa → Eggs → Larva → Adult
(c) Adult → Eggs → Pupa → Larva
(d) Adult → Eggs → Larva → Pupa

Answer 1

The provided image is showing the four distinct stages found in the life of an insect in a cyclic manner as stage one is followed by stage two and then comes the third stage followed by the fourth stage. It means this Insect undergoes a complete metamorphosis.

Complete answer:
The four stages of the life cycle in the given diagram is Adult → Eggs → Larva → Pupa. The provided diagram represents the life cycle of an insect. The life cycle of an insect begins with the mating of adult insects and it is known as a complete metamorphosis because it includes four very different stages that are egg, larval, pupal, and adult. After mating the adult female beetle lays hundreds of small white or yellow eggs. When these eggs mature the larvae hatch out having a voracious appetite. The larva appears like a worm and it undergoes shedding or molting seven to 10 times before it enters the pupal stage. In the pupal stage, the larva begins to take the shape of the adult beetle. Once the larva reaches adulthood inside the pupa, the fully mature beetle emerges from the cocoon or pupa and begins another life cycle all over again.

Additional Information:
-Like all other insects and arthropods, beetles undergo different changes in their body form or structure throughout their life cycle. These changes in their body form or structure are known as metamorphosis.
-The beetles can deposit their eggs in decaying leaves, rotten wood, and even on animal feces. Some beetles keep their eggs inside their body and give birth directly to the live larvae.
-When the larvae begin to grow, they discard the outer covering or the exoskeleton of their bodies. This discarding or shedding process is known as molting.
-At the end of the larval stage, the insect will make a hard shell, and inside the hard shell, it will become a pupa. At this stage, the larva will stop eating and moving.
-The duration of time taken by the pupa to reach adulthood varies among different types of beetles. It may vary from 30 days in some beetles to two to three years in others to develop fully. Inside the pupa, the body of the larva will completely change into a fully grown adult.
-Adults are found in various sizes, shapes, and colors. In some adults, the presence of large mandibles helps them in catching their prey and also helps in defense from predators.

So, the correct answer is,’ Adult → Eggs → Larva → Pupa’.

Note:
-The life cycle of a beetle is known as a whole metamorphosis because it bears four very different stages that are egg, larval, pupal, and adult.
-In the larval stage the molting process occurs between seven to ten times before the larvae enter the pupal stage.
-Once the adult moves out of the pupa it slowly stretches out and relaxes under the sun for a few hours until its exoskeleton dries out and hardens.