incomplete metamorphosis

noun

insect development, as in the grasshopper and cricket, in which the change is gradual and characterized by the absence of a pupal stage.

Also called imperfect metamorphosis.

Examples from the web for incomplete metamorphosis

Insects undergo either complete or incomplete metamorphosis throughout their life cycles.
Termites go through incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Organisms that undergo incomplete metamorphosis are called nymphs and lack the pupa stage in their life cycle.
They are complete metamorphosis, incomplete metamorphosis and direct development.
Examples of insects with incomplete metamorphosis are dragonflies, damselflies and mayflies.