Which of the following describes the four stages of honey bee development?

The correct description of the four stages of honey bee development is the sequence of egg, larvae, pupa, and adult. This progression is fundamental to understanding the life cycle of honey bees, and each stage has distinct characteristics and functions.

During the egg stage, the queen lays fertilized eggs in individual cells of the hive. After about three days, these eggs hatch into larvae. The larvae are then fed by worker bees and go through several instars, which are growth phases where they molt. As they reach the final larval stage, they enter the pupal phase, where they undergo metamorphosis and develop into adult bees. This pupation process typically lasts around 10 to 14 days, leading to the emergence of the adult bee, which will take on specific roles within the hive depending on age and the colony's needs.

The other choices include terms or stages that do not accurately represent honey bee development. For instance, the term "nymph" is typically used in the development of insects like aphids or cockroaches, while "cocoon" may apply to certain moths or butterflies but is not a stage in bee development. Understanding this life cycle is crucial for beekeeping practices and managing bee health and productivity.