Which processes are involved in the lifecycle of termites?

The lifecycle of termites comprises an egg stage, a nymph stage, and an adult stage. Initially, termites begin their lifecycle when the queen lays eggs. These eggs, once hatched, develop into nymphs, rather than larvae as found in many other insects. Nymphs resemble miniature adults and undergo several molts as they grow, eventually maturing into full-grown adult termites.

Nymphs possess the unique characteristic of having the potential to develop into either worker, soldier, or reproductive adult forms, depending on the needs of the colony. This flexible developmental process is key to the social structure and functioning of termite colonies.

The distinction between nymphs and larvae is crucial in this context, as larvae are typically associated with the lifecycle of other insects that undergo a pupal stage. Termites do not have a pupa stage; instead, they go through a series of molts directly from nymphs to adults, reinforcing why the correct answer aligns with the nymph-stage development that characterizes termites.