A taxonomic <xref>superorder</xref> within the <xref>infraclass</xref> <xref>Neoptera</xref> — various <xref>winged</xref> <xref>insects</xref>. In particular the Exopterygota differ from the Endopterygota in that in general they do not have a "complete <xref>metamorphosis</xref>". Their life cycle is typically egg -- <xref>larva</xref> or <xref>nymph</xref> (in the Exopterygota the choice of terminology is largely a matter of preference) -- adult or <xref>imago</xref>; there is not in general a clearly defined <xref>pupal</xref> phase such as occurs in the Endopterygota. In winged species the nymphs generally bear external wing rudiments, which immature members of the Endopterygota do not.
User Defined Definitions
"subclass of insects characterized by gradual and usually incomplete metamorphosis"