Which of the following insects is not typically associated with complete metamorphosis?

The correct selection highlights that dragonflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis, distinguishing them from insects typically associated with complete metamorphosis. Incomplete metamorphosis involves three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Dragonflies, for instance, hatch from eggs into nymphs that live in water and undergo several molts before emerging as adults.

In contrast, the other insects listed—flies, butterflies, and beetles—exhibit complete metamorphosis, which encompasses four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process allows for significant changes in form and function between the larval and adult stages, such as the transformation that a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly. Understanding these life cycle differences is crucial for pest control professionals since the development stage of an insect can dictate the most effective control strategies.