How Do Ants Turn Into Moths?
WouterDuring the life cycle of ants, they go through four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Each stage develops and changes in color. The life cycle can last from six to ten weeks.
Ants begin life as eggs, which are oval in shape. The eggs are white in color. The egg hatches into a larva, which looks like a worm. The larva molts several times as it grows. The larvae eventually develop into pupae, which are dark in color. The pupae develop legs and antennae. The pupae develop into a female worker.
The worker ants carry the caterpillars to their nests. The caterpillars do not feed until they are incorporated into the ant brood. In some cases, the caterpillars solicit honeydew from hemipterans.
When a colony is threatened, the worker ants will produce more larvae to defend the colony. They also help maintain the colony. They are the main caretakers of the brood. The workers also carry the newly hatched caterpillars into the nest.
During the larval stage, the larvae eat and grow rapidly. The larvae are pale in color. The larvae molt several times, shedding their skin as they grow. The larvae are hooked, so that they can attach to each other. After a few molts, they pupate.
The larvae continue to develop inside the cocoon. As they grow, they form hooked hairs. The ant larvae have folded antennae. The larvae also develop legs. After a few days, the larvae molt again.
