Resource allocation and compensation during development in holometabolous insects

From an energetic perspective, developmental stages in holometabolous insects comprise stages with: (A) open energy flow (in larvae and adults), in which energy and nutrients are acquired from food and the physical environment (Ein), and energy is used and transformed (Eout) during growth and development; and (B) relatively closed energetic stages (eggs, pupae, and during diapause), in which energy is mainly used for maintenance and metamorphosis. In open developmental stages, the flow of energy through the system may be balanced (Ein=Eout), positive (Ein>Eout) or negative (Ein