In
biology, the 'imago' is the last stage of development of an
insect, after the last
ecdysis of an incomplete
metamorphosis, or after emergence from the
pupae where the metamorphosis is complete. As this is the only stage during which the insect is sexually mature and, if it is a winged species, has functional wings, the imago is often referred to as the 'adult' stage.
The Latin plural of ''imago'' is ''imagines'', and this is the term generally used by
entomologists - however, ''imagos'' is also acceptable.
The stage of
subimago exists in the ''
Ephemeroptera'' (mayflies). Insects at this stage have functional wings but are not yet sexually mature.