What is the term used for the insect growth process?

The term used for the insect growth process is metamorphosis. Metamorphosis refers specifically to the biological process by which insects undergo significant changes in form and physiology during their life cycle. This process typically includes stages such as egg, larva (or nymph in certain insects), pupa, and adult, each with distinct morphological and physiological characteristics.

Understanding metamorphosis is crucial in entomology and pest control, as the various stages can influence the choice of control methods and timing for effective pest management. For example, certain insecticides are most effective against the larval stage, while other treatments may target adults or pupae. This highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the stages of metamorphosis in the context of modern pest control strategies.

The other terms listed, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically encompass the entire process of insect growth in the same comprehensive way as metamorphosis. Development could refer to growth generally in many organisms, not strictly in the context of insects, while eclosion specifically denotes the emergence of an insect from its egg or pupa, and transformation is a more general term that does not specifically apply to insect growth processes.