The different life stages of a single pest species may therefore require vastly different management strategies. In many cases, only one stage may be a damaging pest. Intermediate Types of Metamorphosis. A few insects exhibit intermediate types of metamorphosis, types that don't fit any of the above descriptions. Thrips and whiteflies fall into this intermediate group.
Thrips pass through two nymphs stages, in which the nymphs feed on the same food as the adults.
Whiteflies, even though considered to have gradual metamorphosis, pass through a pupal or resting stages before molting to the adult. Pest Management Implications. In the case of insects with complete metamorphosis, it is as if one species is represented by two or three completely different animals with different needs and habits. Control of insects with life stages having vastly dissimilar feeding habits require different management techniques. The larvae feed and live in one habitat and may leave that area to molt to the pupal stage.