Abstract
1. Larval eclosion and the conditions of growth of young larvae ofMyrmica have been examined by observation and experiment. 2. No structural organisation of the egg mass has been observed which would cause the growth and development towards either dormancy or non-dormancy, of larvae derived from any particular group of eggs. 3. First instar larvae are not ‘distinguished’ from eggs by workers. 4. First instar larvae feed on adjacent eggs in the egg mass. At least one egg is eaten to enable the larva to survice, and many more can be eaten if available. 5. Second instar larvae are ‘detected’ by workers and removed from the egg mass. 6. In a group of larvae those which reach the second instar in advance of the rest gain the advantage of worker attention and feeding, and are directed towards non-dormancy. 7. The brood rearing efficiency of workers varies with seasonal condition and temperature. The presence of brood at other stages of development may affect the survival of young larvae. 8. These results are discussed in relation to colonial efficiency.
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