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or function of a living organism, by a natural process of growth or development; as, the metamorphosis of the yolk into the embryo, of a tadpole into a frog, or of a bud into a blossom. Especially, that form of sexual reproduction in which an embryo undergoes a series of marked changes of external form, as the chrysal…

A kind of metamorphosis, in certain insects, in which the larva itself undergoes remarkable changes of form and structure during its growth.

A group of insects which do not undergo any metamorphosis. [Written also Ametabolia.]

Of or pertaining to insects that do undergo any metamorphosis.

Not undergoing any metamorphosis; as, ametabolic insects.

andibles and maxillæ) with which they pierce the skin of animals. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, their larvæ (called maggots) being usually without feet.

A blood-sucking dipterous fly, of the genus Culex, undergoing a metamorphosis in water. The females have a proboscis armed with needlelike organs for penetrating the skin of animals. These are wanting in the males. In America they are generally called mosquitoes. See Mosquito.

Those insects which have an incomplete metamorphosis.

Having an incomplete metamorphosis, the larvæ differing from the adults chiefly in laking wings, as in the grasshoppers and cockroaches.

Those insects which have a complete metamorphosis; metabola.

Having a complete metamorphosis;-said of certain insects, as the butterflies and bees.

The early, immature form of any animal when more or less of a metamorphosis takes place, before the assumption of the mature shape.

A comprehensive group of insects, including those that undegro a metamorphosis.

An insect which undergoes a metamorphosis.

Of or pertaining to metamorphosis; pertaining to, or involving, change.

Same as Metamorphosis.

The direct development of an embryo, without metamorphosis, into an organism similar to the parent organism; -- opposed to metagenesis. E. van Beneden.

Of or pertaining to necrobiosis; as, a necrobiotic metamorphosis.

outh organs are adapted for chewing. They feed upon other insects, and undergo a complete metamorphosis. The ant-lion, hellgamite, and lacewing fly are examples. Formerly, the name was given to a much more extensive group, including the true Neuroptera and the Pseudoneuroptera.

inal simple descent; -- distinguished from kenogenesis. Sometimes, in zoölogy, the abrupt metamorphosis of insects, crustaceans, etc.