Insects that develop by complete metamorphosis:

Insects that develop by complete metamorphosis go through distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The correct answer highlights an essential characteristic of this process: the larval stage is where these insects predominantly feed, grow, and molt. After hatching from eggs, the larvae (often called caterpillars in moths and butterflies, or grubs in beetles) engage in considerable feeding to accumulate energy and size. This stage is critical for their development, as they often molt several times, shedding their exoskeleton to accommodate their growth.

The distinct separation of life stages is what differentiates complete metamorphosis from incomplete metamorphosis, where nymph stages resemble smaller versions of adults. This fundamental developmental strategy allows insects to exploit different environmental resources during their life cycle, as larvae and adults often occupy different ecological niches. Consequently, the larval stage being growth-oriented is a defining feature of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis.