What stage do immature insects belong to in complete metamorphosis?

In complete metamorphosis, which consists of four distinct life stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—immature insects are classified as larvae. During this larval stage, insects are typically voracious eaters and focus on growth and feeding, which is essential for their development into the next stage—the pupa.

While nymphs are associated with incomplete metamorphosis and appear similar to the adult form, they do not undergo a distinct pupal stage. The pupa stage involves a transformation where the insect undergoes significant changes into its final form. The adult stage, on the other hand, represents the fully developed insect that can reproduce. Hence, the larval stage is specifically identified as the immature phase in the context of complete metamorphosis.