2000.01.10 How long for an egg to become an adult worker?

Mr. Ant's Camponotus

• Embryonic period: 3-4 weeks
• Larval period: 3-4 weeks
• Pupal period: 3-6 weeks
• Total: 9-14 weeks

Aphaenogaster fulva (American entomologist A. M. Fielde)

• Embryonic period: 17-22 days
• Larval period: 24-27 days
• Pupal period: 13-22 days
• Total: 54-71 days

Myrmica rubra (French entomologist C. Janet)

• Embryonic period: 23-24 days
• Larval period: 30-71 days
• Pupal period: 18-22 days
• Total: 71-117 days

Many species have no development from November to March and that is observed facts in nature. --Jinei

There is not a general number (even not in the same colony). It depends on many factors like:

1. It is different from species to species.
2. It depends on area, available food, and temperature. --Jinei and Mr. Ant

Charles Janet and Adele Fielde were accomplished entomologists in their time (the late 1800's -- early 1900's, in France and the U.S., respectively). His research was mainly in insect anatomy and hers was in ant behavior." --Dr. Ant