imago
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imago
The final, sexually mature developmental stage of an insect after completion of metamorphosis. It refers to the adult animal, for example the butterfly after pupation.
Nach dem Schlüpfen aus der Puppe entfaltet die Imago ihre Flügel.
After emerging from the pupa, the imago unfolds its wings.
'Imago' is a technical term and is hardly used in everyday German. It belongs either to the specialized language of biology (entomology) or psychoanalysis.
In diesem Fachbuch wird die Entwicklung von der Larve zur Imago detailliert beschrieben.
In this specialist book, the development from larva to imago is described in detail.
The word 'Imago' comes directly from Latin, where it means 'image' or 'likeness'. This original meaning helps you understand both technical meanings: the final 'image' of an insect and the inner 'image' of a person.
Die Imago ist das fertige Abbild des Insekts nach seiner vollständigen Metamorphose.
The imago is the finished likeness of the insect after its complete metamorphosis.
When 'Imago' is used in the biological sense, the context often includes words such as 'Insekt' (insect), 'Larve' (larva), 'Puppe' (pupa), 'Metamorphose' (metamorphosis), or 'Schmetterling' (butterfly). It always refers to the adult, reproductively capable insect.
Die Libelle ist die Imago, die aus der im Wasser lebenden Larve schlüpft.
The dragonfly is the imago that emerges from the larva living in the water.
In the psychological meaning, you can recognize the context from words such as 'Psychoanalyse' (psychoanalysis), 'Kindheit' (childhood), 'Eltern' (parents), 'unbewusst' (unconscious), or 'Partnerwahl' (choice of partner). Here, it refers to an idealized inner image of a person.
In der Therapie arbeitete er an seinem unbewussten Vater-Imago, das sein Verhalten prägte.
In therapy, he worked on his unconscious father imago, which shaped his behavior.
doll / mannequin / pupa
'Puppe' and 'Imago' both belong to the development of insects, but they refer to different stages. The 'Puppe' is the stage in which the insect transforms and is not yet an adult. The 'Imago' is the adult insect after this transformation. The words can be confused because both appear in biological texts about metamorphosis. In everyday language, people usually say 'erwachsenes Insekt' (adult insect); 'Imago' sounds technical.
Nach der Verwandlung verlässt das Imago die leere Hülle.
After the transformation, the imago leaves the empty casing.
Die Puppe hängt ruhig an einem Zweig, bis der Schmetterling schlüpft.
The pupa hangs quietly from a branch until the butterfly emerges.