What determines whether new wasp and bee larvae become workers or queens?

The correct answer is based on the availability and type of food provided to the larvae. In honeybee colonies, for example, the diet given to the developing larvae has a crucial role in determining their developmental fate. If a larva is fed a diet rich in royal jelly, it will develop into a queen bee, which is essential for reproduction within the colony. Conversely, larvae that are fed a diet of less nutrient-rich food, such as pollen and honey, will develop into worker bees. This difference in nutrition leads to significant physiological changes, including size and reproductive capabilities, which are vital for the roles that workers and queens play in the hive.

While other factors like temperature, type of nest, and time of year can influence the overall health and activity of the bee colony, they do not directly determine the fate of individual larvae in the way that nutritional choices do. This emphasizes the unique role that food plays in the developmental processes of bees.