instar

¹ American  

[in-stahr] / ˈɪn stɑr /

noun

1. an insect in any one of its periods of postembryonic growth between molts.

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instar ² American  

[in-stahr] / ɪnˈstɑr /

verb (used with object)

instarred, instarring

1. to set with or as if with stars.

2. Archaic.

   1. to place as a star.

   2. to make a star of.

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instar British  

/ ˈɪnstɑː /

noun

1. the stage in the development of an insect between any two moults

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Etymology

Origin of instar¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from New Latin, Latin īnstar “counterpart, equivalent”

Origin of instar²

First recorded in 1585–95; in- ¹ + star

Example Sentences

All the other planthoppers wait until their fifth instar before transforming.

From National Geographic • Aug. 31, 2023

Ann could remember, no more than a first instar herself, her parents hopefully watching their offspring try desperately to hatch.

From Scientific American • Apr. 15, 2012

When she reached third instar, which for some reason had taken an inordinately long time, she worried about what lay beyond, and finally went to her mother, seeking answers.

From Scientific American • Apr. 15, 2012

So if you're looking closely enough, you can even see bugs in the nymphal first instar stage.

From Scientific American • Jan. 23, 2012

In each new phase, called an instar, a caterpillar might change color or texture—very confusing to naturalists like Maria.

From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman