What are the stages of a bee's lifecycle?

The stages of a bee's lifecycle are accurately represented by the sequence of egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In this biological process, bees begin their lives as eggs laid by the queen in hexagonal wax cells. Once the eggs hatch, they develop into larvae, which are fed by worker bees. This larval stage is crucial, as the larvae grow quickly before entering the pupal stage.

During the pupal stage, the larvae undergo significant transformation and metamorphosis, where they develop into fully formed adult bees. This stage is critical as it allows the larvae to develop the characteristics necessary for survival and functionality within the colony. Finally, the adult bee emerges from the pupal stage and accepts its role within the hive, whether it be as a worker, drone, or queen.

The other stages mentioned in the other choices either incorrectly label the terminology or do not accurately describe the bee lifecycle. For instance, while a chrysalis is a term commonly used for butterflies during their pupal stage, it is not applicable to bees, which undergo a more complex transformation known as the pupal stage. Understanding this lifecycle is essential for effective beekeeping practices.