Georgia Certified Structural Pest Control Operator Practice Exam 2025 - Free Pest Control Practice Questions and Study Guide

Termites undergo gradual metamorphosis, a developmental process that includes three primary life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. In this type of metamorphosis, the immature forms, known as nymphs, resemble smaller versions of the adults and gradually develop into adults through a series of molts. Unlike complete metamorphosis, where an organism undergoes significant changes in form and structure (such as a caterpillar becoming a butterfly), gradual metamorphosis results in more subtle changes, maintaining a closer resemblance between the nymph and adult stages throughout development.

Both complete metamorphosis and complex metamorphosis can lead to dramatic transformations, which are not characteristic of termites. Additionally, the term "without metamorphosis" suggests a lack of developmental change, which does not apply to termites because they do indeed change as they mature, albeit gradually. Understanding this lifecycle helps in pest control strategies, as recognizing the nymphs as a stage that requires management is crucial for effective termite control.