instar
Between two sheddings
An instar is a stage between molts in the development of an insect or other arthropod.
As these creatures grow, they shed their exoskeleton several times before reaching adulthood, and each phase is numbered: The caterpillar is in its third instar.
The term appears almost exclusively in entomology and related sciences.
Jointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- insectSix-legged invertebrate
- larvaImmature feeding stage
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
- grubFood or larva
maggot · nymph · naiad · lepidoptera · entomologist · hexapod · mandible · thorax
Immature feeding stage
- nymphNature spirit or larva
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- imagoInsect's final form
- juvenileYoung person or animal
immature · hatchling · life cycle · ontogeny · maturation · progression · phase · stage
Pupal casing for metamorphosis
- cocoonSilk wrapping for transformation
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- pupationMetamorphic encasement phase
- emergenceComing into existence
imago · transformation · rebirth · metamorphic · morphogenesis · life cycle · transmutation · adult form
arthropod
Jointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- insectSix-legged invertebrate
- larvaImmature feeding stage
- caterpillarMoth or butterfly young
grub · maggot · nymph · naiad · lepidoptera · entomologist · hexapod · mandible · thorax · abdomen
larva
Immature feeding stage
juvenile · immature · hatchling · life cycle · ontogeny · maturation · progression · phase · stage · growth
chrysalis
Pupal casing for metamorphosis
- cocoonSilk wrapping for transformation
- pupaInsect's resting stage
- pupationMetamorphic encasement phase
emergence · imago · transformation · rebirth · metamorphic · morphogenesis · life cycle · transmutation · adult form
shedding
Losing outer covering
- cuticleDead skin at nail base
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- chitinArthropod shell polymer