Puberty & Metamorphosis Related to Reproduction: Metamorphosis, Insects

Metamorphosis is a highly successful biological adaptation that has allowed the diversification of insects into the most abundant group of animals on earth. Depending on the degree of metamorphosis during their life cycle, insects can be divided in 3 major subgroups: Ametabola, Hemimetabola and Holometabola. Variation exists in the postembryonic development and reproductive physiology of these different subgroups. In this article, we first go into detail on the (hormonal) control of metamorphosis. Second, we discuss the maturation of the reproductive system in Hemimetabola and Holometabola.