How long does it take for a queen bee to develop from egg to adult?

A queen bee develops from an egg to an adult in approximately 16 days. This process begins when a fertilized egg is laid in a specially constructed queen cell. The egg hatches into a larva after about three days and is fed a diet rich in royal jelly. The larva pupates after five days and then undergoes metamorphosis. The entire process, from laying the egg to the emergence of the queen, usually takes around 16 days.

This development time is crucial for beekeepers to understand, as it informs colony management practices, including how to replace aging queens and manage the timing of swarming. Understanding this timeline helps ensure that colonies are properly maintained and that queens are available when needed for optimal hive performance.