Insects with incomplete metamorphosis develop through three life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Nymphs resemble adults, except for coloration, size, and the lack of wings. This minute pirate bug (Orius sp.) is a beneficial predator of aphids, psyllids, thrips, mites, and insect eggs.

Line art illustration of the egg, five nymphal stages, and adult of the minute pirate bug.; Davis, California Credit: Celeste Green adapted from Smith RF, Hagen KS. 1956. Enemies of spotted alfalfa aphid. <i>California Agriculture</i> 10(4):8-10. Available online: http://ucanr.edu/repositoryfiles/ca1004p8-64509.pdf.
Credit: Celeste Green adapted from Smith RF, Hagen KS. 1956. Enemies of spotted alfalfa aphid. California Agriculture 10(4):8-10. Available online: http://ucanr.edu/repositoryfiles/ca1004p8-64509.pdf.