Definition
noun
(entomology)
(1) An incomplete metamorphosis in insects.
(2) Incomplete or partial physical changes in insects, i.e. insects do not undergo pupal stage during their development from embryo into adult form.
Supplement
Hemimetabolism refers to the incomplete metamorphosis in certain group of insects. These insects develop from embryo, to nymph and finally to adult. There is no pupal stage. The nymph often resembles the adult in which both of them have compound eyes, developed legs and wing stubs visible on the outside.
See incomplete metamorphosis for examples of hemimetabolous insects.
Word origin: Greek hémi– half + Latin metamorphōsis, from Greek, from metamorphoun, to transform : meta-, meta- + morphē, form.
Related forms: hemimetabolic, hemimetabolous (adjective).
Synonym: incomplete metamorphosis, hemimetabolism, hemimetaboly.
Compare: holometabolism.
See also: metamorphosis.
Dictionary > Hemimetamorphosis
You will also like...

New Zealand’s Unique Geographical History
Explore why New Zealand has such unique flora and fauna, and learn why long periods of geographical isolation. This less..

Bryophytes
Bryophytes (nonvascular plants) are a plant group characterized by lacking vascular tissues. They include the mosses, th..

Soils
Nutrients in the soil are essential to the proper growth of a land plant. This tutorial deals with the properties of soi..

Types and Causes of Brain Damage
This tutorial describes the different types and causes of brain damage. Find out how genetics, physical injury, lack of ..

Sensory Systems
A sensory system is a part of the nervous system consisting of sensory receptors that receive stimuli from the internal ..

Seed Plants
Seed plants are vascular plants. They differ from the other vascular plants in producing seeds that germinate into a new..