What stage of insect development hatches from an egg and eventually transforms into an adult?

The correct answer is the nymph stage, as it specifically refers to the stage of some insects that hatches from an egg and eventually grows into an adult without undergoing a complete metamorphosis. Nymphs resemble miniature adults and gradually develop through a series of molts, during which they shed their exoskeleton and grow larger until they reach adulthood.

In contrast, the larva stage refers to developmental forms like caterpillars, which undergo complete metamorphosis, meaning they hatch from eggs but do not look like adults and must undergo a significant transformation to become adults, which includes a pupal stage. The pupa stage is a transformative phase where the larva develops into its adult form, typically occurring within a protective casing or cocoon. Caterpillar is another term that specifically designates the larval stage of moths and butterflies, emphasizing the same concept of transformation rather than direct development into adulthood. Therefore, the nymph stage is the stage that most accurately fits the description provided in the question.