Insects like bees, moths, and beetles go through a number of stages of growth. What are the names of the two intermediate stages between the egg stage and the adult stage?

Many insects undergo a dramatic transformation known as complete metamorphosis, a four-part life cycle that takes them from egg to a winged adult. The two stages that occur between hatching from the egg and reaching maturity are distinct phases of development, each with a specific purpose.

The first of these is the larval stage. A larva is essentially a dedicated eating machine, and its primary job is to consume as much food as possible to fuel its incredible growth. We are often more familiar with the specific names for larvae than the general term; for example, a butterfly's larva is a caterpillar, while a beetle's is a grub. During this phase, the insect looks nothing like its future adult form.

After growing to a sufficient size, the insect enters the pupal stage. This is a seemingly dormant period of radical reorganization. Encased in a protective shell, such as a butterfly’s chrysalis or a moth's cocoon, the insect's body is completely broken down and rebuilt. Tissues and organs are rearranged to create the wings, legs, and antennae of the adult. Once this amazing transformation is finished, the fully formed adult insect emerges, ready to reproduce and begin the cycle anew.