However, because WGMs are very distinctive in appearance, they are easily identifiable as such. Freshly deposited WGM eggs are smooth, kidney shaped and reddish orange. Several days later, their color changes to straw-yellow. Eggs provide the mechanism by which WGM oversummer. Initially, larvae are entirely reddish-orange, but they darken to light brown after one day.
Legs retain a yellowish-orange coloration.
The most notable comparative difference between larvae and nymphs is the addition of a fourth pair of legs. All three nymphal growth stages are similar in appearance except for subtle increases in size through their progressive developmental stages. Overall body color is dark brown. Legs are yellowish-orange. Prior to each molt, nymphs become plump and take on a greenish-tinge.