What type of metamorphosis do ants undergo?

Ants undergo complete metamorphosis, which is characterized by four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process allows for significant changes in morphology and behavior at each stage.

In the egg stage, ants are fertilized and develop into larvae, which are often worm-like and entirely dependent on adults for food and protection. As the larvae grow, they enter the pupal stage, during which they undergo transformation and significant reorganization of their body structure. The adult stage is where ants emerge fully formed, having developed wings in the case of reproductive ants, or specialized body structures in worker ants.

This type of metamorphosis enables ants to exploit different ecological niches at various stages of their life cycle, contributing to their success as a social insect. Each stage plays a critical role in the development and sustainability of ant colonies, distinguishing ants from other insects that may undergo incomplete metamorphosis, where they only pass through three stages and do not look significantly different from one stage to the next.