Endopterygota


Endopterygota, also known as Holometabola, is a superorder of insects within the infraclass Neoptera that go through distinctive larval, pupal, and adult stages. They undergo a radical metamorphosis, with the larval and adult stages differing considerably in their structure and behaviour. This is called holometabolism, or complete metamorphism.

Evolution

The Endopterygota constitute the most diverse insect superorder, with over 1 million living species divided between 11 orders, containing insects such as butterflies, flies, fleas, bees, ants, and beetles.
The earliest endopterygote fossils date from the Carboniferous.
The Endopterygota are sometimes divided into three assemblages: Neuropterida, Hymenopteroida, and Panorpida.
Molecular analysis has clarified the group's phylogeny, as shown in the cladogram.

Description

The Endopterygota are distinguished from the Exopterygota by the way in which their wings develop. Endopterygota develop wings inside the body and undergo an elaborate metamorphosis involving a pupal stage. Exopterygota develop wings on the outside their bodies and do not go through a pupal stage. The latter trait is plesiomorphic, however, as it is found also in groups such as Odonata, which are not Neoptera, but more basal among insects.