How many stages are there in the lifecycle of a cockroach?

The lifecycle of a cockroach consists of three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. This classification is referred to as incomplete metamorphosis, which is common among several insect species, including cockroaches.

In the egg stage, the female cockroach lays fertilized eggs within a protective capsule called an ootheca, which contains multiple eggs. Once the eggs hatch, they emerge as nymphs, which resemble small adult cockroaches but lack fully developed wings and reproductive structures. The nymphs go through several molts, during which they grow and mature.

Eventually, after several molting stages, the nymphs reach the adult stage, where they develop wings and the ability to reproduce. This three-stage lifecycle emphasizes the gradual development of cockroaches from immature nymphs to adult forms, distinguishing it from other insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, which includes a pupal stage. This is why the answer indicating three stages is the correct choice.