What term describes the beetle life cycle that includes the stages of egg, larval, pupal, and adult?

The term that accurately describes the beetle life cycle, which consists of the stages of egg, larval, pupal, and adult, is complete metamorphosis. This life cycle is characterized by a distinct transformation between life stages, where the larval stage is fundamentally different in form and function from the adult stage. The pupal stage serves as a transitional phase where significant changes occur, leading to the emergence of the adult beetle.

Complete metamorphosis enables beetles and other insects with similar life cycles to occupy different ecological niches during their larval and adult stages. For instance, the larvae might be specialized for feeding and growth, while adults are often adapted for reproduction and dispersal. This division can minimize competition for resources between the young and the mature insects, providing advantages for survival and adaptation.

In contrast, incomplete metamorphosis involves fewer stages and does not include a pupal stage, which would not apply to the life cycle of a beetle. Terms like simple life cycle and intermediate metamorphosis do not accurately capture the complexity and distinct phases that characterize complete metamorphosis as seen in beetles.