What stage of insect development hatches from an egg and eventually transforms into an adult?

The correct stage of insect development that hatches from an egg and eventually transforms into an adult is the nymph stage. Nymphs are generally immature versions of adult insects and resemble them in form, but they do not yet possess fully developed wings or reproductive structures. As nymphs grow, they undergo a series of molts, gradually maturing into their adult form.

In contrast, the other choices represent different aspects of insect development. Larva refers to a stage commonly found in holometabolous (complete metamorphosis) insects, which is distinct from a nymph because it does not resemble the adult. Pupa represents a transitional stage where the insect undergoes significant transformation, usually within a capsule-like structure, but does not hatch from an egg as nymphs do. Caterpillar is specifically the larval stage of butterflies and moths, which again distinguishes it from nymphs.