A lot of insects live for years as their “larval” or nymph form and then come out into the more recognizable “adult form” just to mate and die. In a lot of ways their larval form is their actual form with their adult lifestage being just a flash in the pan to continue the species.
Cicadas can stay underground for up to 17 years for example and dragon fly larva live 2 years just to come out of the water and grow wings for a few months.
A lot of insects live for years as their “larval” or nymph form and then come out into the more recognizable “adult form” just to mate and die. In a lot of ways their larval form is their actual form with their adult lifestage being just a flash in the pan to continue the species.
You sure “years” isn’t a stretch? Non-rhetorical, I thought it was months at best.
Cicadas can stay underground for up to 17 years for example and dragon fly larva live 2 years just to come out of the water and grow wings for a few months.