Imago

Imago (imago; lat. image, likeness) is the last stage of insect development with complete transformation. An imago is an adult, sexually mature individual capable of reproduction.

At the imago stage, the insect acquires its final body shape, color and size. The chitinous cover ossifies and wings form (in winged species). The adult feeds, reproduces and disperses.

The adult stage occurs after the egg, larval and pupa stages. The lifespan of the imago varies among different species of insects - from several hours to several years. In butterflies, for example, adults live from several weeks to several months, depending on the species.

Thus, the imago is the final stage of metamorphosis of insects, when the individual becomes sexually mature and is ready to reproduce, disperse and perform other species-specific functions.