Imago

Imago
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Last molting of acicada giving rise to the winged imago
In biology, the imago is the last stage an insect attains during its metamorphosis, its process of growth and development; it also is called the imaginal stage,the stage in which the insect attains maturity. It follows the final ecdysis of the immature instars.[1]
In a member of the Ametabola or Hemimetabola, in which metamorphosis is "incomplete", thefinal ecdysis follows the last immature or "nymphal" stage. In members of the Holometabola, in which there is a pupal stage, the final ecdysis follows emergence from the pupa, after which themetamorphosis is complete, although there is a prolonged period of maturation in some species.[2]
The imago is the only stage during which the insect is sexually mature and, if it is a winged species, hasfunctional wings. The imago often is referred to as the adult stage.[1]
Members of the order Ephemeroptera (mayflies) do not have a pupal stage, but they briefly pass through an extra winged stage calledthe subimago. Insects at this stage have functional wings but are not yet sexually mature.[1]
The Latin plural of imago is imagines, and this is the term generally used by entomologists – however,imagos is also acceptable.[3]
Etymology
Imago is Latin for "image".
See also
* Imaginal disc
References
1. ^ a b c Carpenter, Geo. H., The Life-Story of Insects. Cambridge University Press1913. May be downloaded from: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16410 or http://archive.org/details/thelifestoryofin16410gut
2. ^ Richards, O. W.; Davies, R.G. (1977). Imms' General Textbook ofEntomology: Volume 1: Structure, Physiology and Development Volume 2: Classification and Biology. Berlin: Springer. ISBN 0-412-61390-5.
3. ^ Gordh, Gordon; Headrick, David H. A Dictionary of...