Some winged insects, such as grasshoppers and the praying mantis, develop through a process known as simple (or incomplete) metamorphosis. This is a 3 stage process: egg to nymph to adult. The nymphs look like small adults but with underdeveloped wings. As the insect molts, it slowly grows into a winged adult.

Praying Mantis Life Cycle

                                                     Image: © ODWS www.saburchill.com
  

   Other winged insects, such as dragonflies, develop through a slightly different 3 stage process (egg to nymph to adult) where the nymph stage takes place underwater. Another difference is the winged adult does not emerge until the nymph leaves the water and undergoes its final molt.

Dragon Fly Life Cycle

  

                                                            Image: utahbugclub.org