Which characteristic is NOT associated with nymphs?

Nymphs are indeed young stages of certain insect groups, particularly hemimetabolous insects, which develop into adults. They are characterized by undergoing incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they progress through various nymphal stages without a pupal stage and gradually develop adult features.

The correct answer identifies that nymphs do not undergo complete metamorphosis, which is the process involving distinct egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, as observed in holometabolous insects. By contrast, nymphs simply grow larger and more developed, resembling their adult counterparts more closely at each molt.

The other options highlight accurate characteristics of nymphs. They do indeed resemble smaller versions of adults, typically display no wings at their early stages, and are recognized as the immature forms that eventually grow into the fully developed adults. Thus, understanding the life cycle differences between insects with complete versus incomplete metamorphosis clarifies why the characteristic of nymphs undergoing complete metamorphosis is not applicable.