What type of metamorphosis do ants undergo?

Ants undergo complete metamorphosis, which consists of four distinct life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This type of metamorphosis is characterized by a significant change in form and function through these stages.

During the egg stage, a fertilized egg develops into a larva. The larva is a worm-like stage that primarily focuses on eating and growing. Once it reaches a certain size, it enters the pupal stage, where it undergoes transformation inside a cocoon or pupal casing. This is a crucial phase in which the larva's body is reorganized to form the adult ant. Finally, the adult emerges, fully formed and capable of reproduction or fulfilling its role in the colony.

In contrast, incomplete metamorphosis would involve only three stages—egg, nymph, and adult—without a distinct pupal stage, which doesn't apply to ants. Therefore, understanding the complete metamorphosis process helps in grasping the lifecycle and development of ants effectively.