What stage follows the egg in insect development?

Insect development typically follows a distinct life cycle known as complete metamorphosis, which consists of four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. After the egg stage, the next stage is the larva, where the organism emerges and begins to feed and grow. During this phase, the larva often has a completely different appearance and lifestyle compared to the adult form, which is essential for acquiring nutrients and energy before transitioning to the next stage.

The larval stage is characterized by significant growth, and most insects spend a substantial amount of their life in this form. It is during the larval stage that the insect will undergo a series of molts, each known as an instar, as it prepares for the eventual transformation into the pupa stage.

The other options represent different stages or forms of development in insects. The pupa is the stage that follows the larva, the adult stage comes after the pupa, and the term "instar" refers to the various growth stages within the larval phase itself rather than a separate developmental stage. Thus, the sequence clearly identifies the larva as the immediate next stage after the egg in insect development.