Talk:Hypermetamorphosis

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[edit] Acarina?

In the acarina also, the first instar (which is the only one to be called "larva") is also different from the following immature ones (called "nymph") in that the larval form only has 3 pairs of legs and not 4. The fourth pair is only acquired at the end of the first instar. Is this also considered "hypermetamorphosis"? --IronChris | (talk) 16:14, 19 April 2006 (UTC)

hypermetamorphosis is inaccurately described in this article. hypermetamorphosis, as described in Borror and Delong's Introduction to the Study of Insects, 7th edition, 2005 states

hypermetamorphosis - a type of complete metamorphosis in which the different larval instars represent two or more different types of larva.

the larval instars do not become more simple as they molt but they do change form. for example in family Meloidae (Blister Beetles) the larva seven instars before becoming a pupa. the first instar is usually campodeiform, like a dipluran, and is active and moves around (it needs to to get to its host). However, the subsequent instars are usually scarabaeiform(grublike) and Vermiform(maggotlike)

the larva never becomes simpler than it originally was; it just changes its principle form depending on the instar.

(Entoman09 19:48, 28 November 2006 (UTC))