What is Nymph (biology)?
[[File:Carpocoris mediterraneus - nymph (2004-08-23).jpg|thumb|right|230px|Nymph of the shield bug ''Caprocoris mediterraneus'']] In [[zoology]], a '''nymph''' is the young stage of some kinds of [[invertebrate]]s, especially [[insects]]. Insects grow by [[metamorphosis]]. In [[incomplete metamorphosis]], an insect [[Egg (biology)|egg]] hatches, and a small nymph comes out. The nymph usually looks just like the adult insect but is much smaller. Nymphs do not become [[pupa]]e before becoming adults. They just grow larger. They [[moulting|moult]] through various stages called [[instar]]s. Some insects have nymphs that are [[aquatic]], which means they live in water. These nymphs look very different from the adults. [[Dragonfly|Dragonflies]] have nymphs that live in water, such as in lakes and rivers. Nymphs that live in water are sometimes called '''naiads'''. The other way insects grow is by [[complete metamorphosis]]. This way has no nymphs. The adult form is prepared in the [[pupa]], and comes out perfect. Some insects that are nymphs when they are young are [[grasshopper]]s, [[cockroach]]es, [[true bug]]s and dragonflies. {{Biology-stub}} [[Category:Insects]] [[Category:Developmental biology]]