How long does it take for a worker bee to develop from an egg to emergence?

The development of a worker bee from egg to emergence typically takes about 21 days. This process includes several stages: the egg stage lasts for three days, followed by the larval stage which lasts approximately six days, and then the pupal stage that takes about 12 days. The entire cycle, therefore, amounts to around 21 days in total. This timeframe highlights the efficiency of a worker bee's development and reflects the structured nature of the bee colony's lifecycle. Understanding this timeline is essential for beekeepers to manage their hives effectively, ensuring they recognize when to expect new workers to emerge and participate in the colony’s activities.