What form of metamorphosis do termites undergo?

Termites undergo paurometaboly, which is a form of gradual metamorphosis. In this type of metamorphosis, the young, known as nymphs, resemble smaller versions of the adults. They go through several molts, gradually developing into their adult forms while maintaining a similar appearance throughout their development.

This life cycle differs from holometaboly, where insects undergo complete metamorphosis, involving distinct stages such as larva and pupa, and from hemimetaboly, typical of insects like dragonflies or grasshoppers, where the young, or nymphs, look similar to adults but lack fully developed wings and reproductive structures until maturity. Understanding the life cycle of termites and the type of metamorphosis they experience is crucial for effective pest management strategies.