Question

As the larva of a honey bee grows, it moults, which means ____________

Answer 1

As a honey bee larva grows, moulting refers to the shedding of its exoskeleton to allow growth and morphological changes as part of its metamorphosis process, transitioning through the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the larva of a honey bee grows, it moults, which means it sheds its exoskeleton to allow for growth and sometimes changes in morphology. This process is a critical part of metamorphosis, which is the transformation of the insect from one stage of its life cycle to another, involving the egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages, each appearing distinctly different. In honey bees and many other insects, this involves a progression from a larval stage to an immobile pupal stage and finally to the adult stage, with each phase specialized for different life functions and adaptations.

Moulting in honey bee larvae is a natural process where the larva sheds its exoskeleton, enabling it to grow. This is a stage of incomplete metamorphosis, where the young gradually develop adult features through successive molts. Each lifetime stage—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—has unique characteristics and functions. The larva feeds and grows, while the pupa undergoes metamorphosis, transforming tissues into the adult form, which then emerges to reproduce. The pupal stage is particularly advantageous as it allows reorganization without interference from feeding or movement.

Insects such as honey bees begin life as eggs and go through several stages, including larval and pupal stages, before reaching adulthood—a process known as metamorphosis. As the larvae grow, they undergo moulting, where they periodically shed their exoskeleton to accommodate their increasing size. During moulting, larvae may be more vulnerable to predators, but it is essential for their growth and change in morphology. 7

In honey bees, this metamorphosis is complete, meaning the larva looks very different from the adult bee. The larva spends its time eating and growing, while the pupa stage is a time for transformation, during which the insect doesn't eat or move. Metamorphosis is an evolutionary advantage; it allows the insect to have distinct life stages, with each stage developing specific adaptations that do not interfere with the others.

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Answer 2

As the larva of a honey bee grows, it undergoes molting, which means it sheds its exoskeleton to accommodate its increasing size.

Step-by-step explanation:

A honey bee larva goes through a process called moulting, in which it sheds its exoskeleton to make room for its growing body. Since it facilitates growth and development, moulting is an essential stage in the life cycle of all insects, including honey bees.

Enzymes secreted by the larva during moulting help to weaken the old exoskeleton and make it easier to separate from the body. The older exoskeleton splits off when the larva expands its body with air or fluid, revealing the larger, softer larva inside.

The honey bee larva moults and then gradually hardens its new exoskeleton over multiple moults until it reaches adulthood. An essential part of an insect's metamorphosis is moulting.