Imago

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

This article is about the stage of development for insects. For the the second album by The Butterfly Effect, see Imago (album).

In biology, the imago is the last stage of development of an insect, after the last ecdysis of an incomplete metamorphosis, or after emergence from the pupae where the metamorphosis is complete. As this is the only stage that is sexually mature and has functional wings in winged species, the imago is often referred to as the adult stage.

The Latin plural of imago is imagines, and this is the term generally used by entomologists - however, imagos is also acceptable.