Which stage of the insect lifecycle typically hatches into larva?

The stage of the insect lifecycle that typically hatches into larvae is the egg stage. In this initial phase, insects lay eggs, which can vary in shape, size, and color depending on the species. Once the environmental conditions are suitable, the eggs undergo a process of embryonic development. After a certain period, the eggs hatch, and the young form that emerges is called a larva. This larval stage is crucial as it encompasses significant growth and development that eventually leads to further metamorphosis into other life stages of the insect.

In contrast, the pupa stage is a transitional phase wherein the organism is often immobile and is undergoing significant changes to transform into an adult. The adult stage is the final reproductive phase of the lifecycle, and it is not during this stage that larvae are produced; rather, adults emerge from pupae. Nymphs, on the other hand, represent a juvenile form in insects that undergo incomplete metamorphosis, displaying characteristics similar to their adult forms but at a smaller size. Understanding these stages helps in recognizing the complexities of insect development and lifecycle transitions.