What term describes insects that undergo several instars before reaching a winged adult stage?

The term that describes insects undergoing several instars before reaching a winged adult stage is complete metamorphosis. Insects that experience complete metamorphosis go through four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. During the larval stage, these insects undergo multiple instars, which are stages between molts as they grow. The pupal stage is crucial as it allows the insect to transform into its adult form, which typically includes wings.

The other development methods, such as incomplete metamorphosis, do not involve a pupal stage and consist of only three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Direct development refers to a situation where the young resemble the adults and do not undergo drastic changes, while egg to adult development does not encompass the various instars and distinct stages described in complete metamorphosis. Thus, complete metamorphosis accurately captures the process involving instars leading up to a winged adult.