Which statement best describes the appearance of larvae compared to adults?

Which statement best describes the appearance of larvae compared to adults?

• A. Larvae look like adults with wings
• B. Larvae are wormlike and do not resemble adults
• C. Larvae have wings and legs
• D. Larvae are nymphs and resemble adults

Answer: (B)

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis have larval stages that are primarily focused on feeding and growth and often look very different from the adults. The larval form is typically wormlike, lacks wings, and doesn’t resemble the adult insect at all. Wings and the adult body plan appear after the larva stage ends. That’s why describing larvae as wormlike and not resembling adults is the best fit. The other statements imply that the larva looks like the adult with wings, has wings and legs, or that larvae are nymphs resembling adults—patterns that don’t apply to holometabolous insects in ornamental and turf pests.

Insects that undergo complete metamorphosis have larval stages that are primarily focused on feeding and growth and often look very different from the adults. The larval form is typically wormlike, lacks wings, and doesn’t resemble the adult insect at all. Wings and the adult body plan appear after the larva stage ends. That’s why describing larvae as wormlike and not resembling adults is the best fit. The other statements imply that the larva looks like the adult with wings, has wings and legs, or that larvae are nymphs resembling adults—patterns that don’t apply to holometabolous insects in ornamental and turf pests.