What type of metamorphosis do cockroaches experience?

• A. No Metamorphosis
• B. Partial Metamorphosis
• C. Gradual metamorphosis
• D. Complete Metamorphosis

Answer: (C)

Cockroaches undergo gradual metamorphosis. Their eggs hatch into nymphs that resemble small, wingless adults and they molt multiple times, each time becoming more like the adult but never forming a distinct pupal stage. This pattern—no pupal stage and nymphs that look like miniature adults—is the hallmark of gradual (incomplete) metamorphosis.

This differs from complete metamorphosis, which includes a pupal stage and larval forms that look very different from the adult, such as caterpillar to butterfly. It also differs from ametabolous development, where there is little to no change after hatching.