ABSTRACT This study explores egg eclosion and larval biology of orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) in light of existing knowledge from studies dealing with a group of tribes within the Apidae referred to as corbiculate bees. It reports that Eulaema (Apeulaema) polychroma (Mocsary) has five larval instars, and its first instar exists only briefly in that with the help of a band of spicules along both of its sides its exoskeleton is shed with the remnants of the chorion. Mature larvae of euglossines exhibit two anatomical features that are not characteristic of other corbiculates, namely the elongate, tapering area of the prothorax immediately behind the head and the small size of the cranium. These features are suggested to be accommodations allowing the development of the extremely long labiomaxillary region of the pupa, which in turn accounts for the lengthy mouthparts of the adult. Descriptions of the egg and mature larva of Euglossa (Euglossa) hemichlora Cockerell are appended as well as referenced in th...