The development of grasshoppers is characterized by a process known as incomplete metamorphosis, which includes distinct life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. During this life cycle, nymphs undergo a series of molts known as instars. At each instar stage, the nymph sheds its exoskeleton and grows, progressively resembling the adult form. This phase of growth is critical, as it allows the nymph to develop necessary structures and increase in size until it matures into an adult grasshopper.
Understanding this aspect of the grasshopper life cycle is vital for pest control practices. Recognizing the different stages helps practitioners determine the most effective time for management strategies, as nymphs can also cause significant damage to crops before they reach adulthood. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately represent the grasshopper life cycle, such as the timing of egg-laying or the presence of a pupal stage, which is not part of the grasshopper's development.