Which developmental pattern includes four life stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult?

The correct answer is based on the characterization of insects that undergo a specific type of development known as complete metamorphosis. This developmental pattern distinctly includes four stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult.

During the egg stage, the insect develops within an egg. Once it hatches, it enters the larval stage, where it typically looks very different from the adult form and focuses on growth and feeding. The next stage is the pupal stage, during which the larvae undergo significant transformation. Finally, the adult stage emerges, showcasing the fully developed features of the insect. This process is crucial for insects like butterflies, beetles, and flies, as it allows for significant changes in form and function throughout their life cycles.

Other options pertain to different concepts. While life cycles refer generally to the ongoing stages of development in an organism, and metamorphosis describes the process of transformation itself, only complete development specifically encompasses these four distinct life stages as a comprehensive pattern. Therefore, understanding how these stages function individually and collectively is essential in the study of entomology and pest management.