Housefly Complete Metamorphosis

What is Complete Metamorphosis?

Complete metamorphosis is a type of development in some insects where the organism goes through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage looks different from the others and serves a unique purpose in the organism's life cycle.

Life Cycle of a Housefly

• Egg: The life cycle begins when the female housefly lays eggs, usually in a warm, moist environment like garbage or decaying matter.
• Larva (Maggot): The eggs hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots. These are legless and feed on organic material to grow.
• Pupa: After the larval stage, the maggots form a protective casing around themselves called a pupa. Inside, they undergo transformation.
• Adult: The adult housefly emerges from the pupa, ready to reproduce and continue the cycle.

Characteristics of Each Stage

Stage	Characteristics
Egg	Small, white, and oval-shaped; laid in clusters.
Larva	Worm-like, legless, and feeds on organic material.
Pupa	Brown, cocoon-like casing; transformation occurs inside.
Adult	Fully developed fly with wings; capable of reproduction.

 

Example of Complete Metamorphosis

A housefly's life cycle is a classic example of complete metamorphosis. The transformation from a maggot to a flying adult fly is a significant change, involving the development of wings and compound eyes.