The process by which the embryo transforms into a full-fledged organism through periodic changes is called metamorphosis. The metamorphosis of grasshoppers is incomplete or hemimetabolous. A metamorphosis in which the infant state of an animal bears partial resemblance to the adult state is called incomplete metamorphosis.
1. Nymph: A baby grasshopper emerges from the mature embryo. Baby grasshoppers are called nymphs. Nymphs are small in size, pale in body, wingless and have immature genitalia. Its body is covered by a coat of cuticle.
2. Imago: The nymph grows slowly. Under the influence of ecdysone hormone, its cuticle peels off. Molting is called moulting. Abandoned shells are called exuvium. The period between two moults is called stodium or instar. Their body consists of wing pads. Nymphs and wing pads grow larger after each moult. After changing the shell 11-12 times, the nymph turns into imago.
3. Full-grown Grasshopper: Imago is full-grown grasshopper. But the imago develops into a full-fledged organism through some accessory changes. Usually a full-fledged grasshopper is formed after 9 months by shedding the shell. Dr. Siddiq Publications