What is an instar?

An instar is the development stage of an insect between each stage of moulting, or shedding its skin. 

For example, each stage from egg to larvae (grub) to pupa (chrysalis or cocoon) to an adult insect, as an insect undergoes metamorphosis, is called an instar.

An insect sheds its exoskeleton as it grows and changes shape and colour and body segments. Each time an insect sheds its skin is called an instar.  

The number of instars an insect undergoes depends on the species of the insect. 

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM