Subterranean termite metamorphosis can be categorized into how many sections?

Subterranean termite metamorphosis is categorized into three distinct stages: egg, nymph, and adult. This three-stage life cycle is characteristic of incomplete metamorphosis, which is typical for many social insects, including termites.

In the initial stage, the egg is laid by the queen, which eventually hatches into a nymph. The nymphs undergo multiple molts, leading them to mature into adults. This process is different from complete metamorphosis, which includes a pupal stage, thus distinguishing the life cycle of subterranean termites by its straightforward progression through these three steps.

This understanding of their life cycle is crucial for pest control and management strategies, as it informs technicians about the growth and development stages that can be targeted for effective treatment.