Chapter 2

Progressive development of the younger stages with each molt resulting in growth and maturation of the reproductive organs. Adults are sexually mature but will continue to molt throughout lifetime - some as many as 45-60 times. Adults and young share similar food, habitat preferences, all stages will be found together in a structure. Egg - young - adult

Adult and young share similar habitats, food preferences, and body form but there is distinct development into the adult stage. Reproductive organs and wing pads (when wings are present) develop in the later instars of the nymph but are not functional until adult stage. There is a set number of molts and the females may have 1 extra nymphal molt, adult stage does not molt. Egg - nymphs - adult

Aquatic nymphs called naiads, do not share the share same habitat as adult stages, more distinctive change after the molt until nymph stage occurs. Mayflies undergo additional stage called subimago - one molt after adult stage. Egg - naiads - adult

• Egg - larvae (multiple instars)- pupa - adult
• Four distinct stages. The larva emerges from the egg has a different body than the adult stage, may have different appendages, eyes (or none), mouthparts. May have different environmental and dietary needs.