Honey Bee Hive Facts

Honey bee hives are fascinating structures that serve as the home and breeding ground for honey bees.

Understanding the facts about honey bee hives can provide insight into the intricate workings of these remarkable insects.

In this article, we will explore the different components and functions of honey bee hives, as well as the types of hives commonly used.

We will discuss the importance of honey bee hives in relation to pollination, honey production, and the production of beeswax and propolis.

By delving into the world of honey bee hives, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the vital role that honey bees play in our ecosystem.

The Structure of a Honey Bee Hive

Delve into the intricacies of a honey bee hive as we explore its fascinating structure.

Satisfy your curiosity as we dive into the world of the queen bee, worker bees, and drone bees.

Uncover the roles and responsibilities that each bee fulfills, and marvel at the coordinated harmony within this buzzing community.

Discover the wonders of nature’s architecture, where efficiency and productivity thrive like never before.

The Queen Bee

The Queen Bee is an essential component of a honey bee hive, responsible for the reproduction and overall functioning of the colony.

Role	Description
Reproduction	The Queen Bee’s primary role is to lay eggs. She is capable of laying up to 1,500 eggs per day, ensuring the growth and sustainability of the colony.
Leadership	The Queen Bee emits pheromones that help in maintaining order within the hive. These pheromones regulate the behavior and development of worker bees.
Selection	The Queen Bee selects a few female larvae to become potential successors. These larvae are specially fed with royal jelly, which determines their development into new queens.

It is essential to have a healthy and productive Queen Bee in a hive to ensure its long-term survival.

A queen’s lifespan varies, but they can live for a few years depending on the hive’s needs.

If there are issues with the Queen Bee, such as illness or reduced egg-laying abilities, it can negatively impact the entire hive.

Beekeepers closely monitor the health and performance of the Queen Bee to maintain a thriving colony.

Understanding the crucial role of the Queen Bee is essential for beekeepers and those interested in the fascinating world of honey bees.

By ensuring the well-being and productivity of the Queen Bee, we can support the overall success of the honey bee hive.

Worker Bees

Worker bees, known as the backbone of a honey bee hive, play a crucial role in its functioning.

Let’s explore some key points about these remarkable bees:

Worker bees, predominantly female, constitute the majority of the hive population. Their tasks are vital in ensuring the hive’s survival and success.
One of the primary responsibilities of worker bees is to gather nectar from flowers. Using their long tongues called proboscis, they skillfully extract and store the nectar in their honey stomachs.
Not only do worker bees collect nectar, but they also actively collect pollen from flowers. These industrious bees carry the pollen on specialized brushes located on their legs. Pollen serves as a crucial protein source for the colony, nourishing the developing larvae.
Within the hive, worker bees take charge of building and maintaining the honeycomb cells. By utilizing beeswax produced from wax glands on their abdomens, they construct the distinctive hexagonal cells.
Feeding the young larvae is yet another significant duty of worker bees. They secrete a vital substance called royal jelly, which is synthesized by glands in their heads and provides essential nutrition.
As worker bees mature, they assume additional responsibilities such as defending the hive against intruders and regulating the internal temperature and humidity.
Throughout their lifespan, typically lasting several weeks in the summer months, worker bees diligently perform diverse tasks including foraging, hive maintenance, and caring for the queen bee.

Worker bees have remained indispensable to honey bee colonies for millions of years. Their unwavering commitment and tireless effort lay the groundwork for a robust and flourishing hive.

Drone Bees

Drone bees, as male bees, have a significant role in the honey bee hive. These bees are primarily responsible for mating with the queen bee and are distinguishable by their larger size and eyes compared to worker bees.

The population of drone bees within a hive varies depending on the season and the colony’s needs. During spring and summer, when mating with the queen occurs more frequently, the number of drone bees increases.

Drone bees do not have specific tasks or jobs inside the hive like worker bees. Instead, they spend their time outside the hive, flying and waiting for potential queens to mate with.

The mating process greatly relies on drone bees. When a virgin queen takes flight for mating, several drones pursue her. The drone that successfully mates with the queen will perish shortly after.

Compared to worker bees, the lifespan of a drone bee is relatively short, lasting around 40 days.

For successful mating and colony survival, it is crucial to ensure the presence of drone bees in the honey bee hive.

The Life Cycle of Honey Bees

Experience the fascinating journey of honey bees as they progress through the different stages of their life cycle.

From the humble beginnings of the egg stage to the transformative pupa stage, and finally emerging as adult bees, each sub-section holds a unique revelation about the intricate development process of these remarkable creatures.

Join us as we uncover the marvels of nature, shedding light on the captivating life cycle of honey bees.

Egg Stage

The Egg Stage is the initial stage in the life cycle of honey bees.

During this phase, the queen bee lays eggs that will eventually develop into worker bees, drone bees, or future queen bees.

The eggs are small and oval-shaped, with a length of approximately 1.2 mm.

To provide a visual representation of the Egg Stage, here is a table:

Stage	Description	Size
Egg Stage	The queen bee lays eggs	1.2 mm

During the Egg Stage, the eggs are generally laid at the bottom of the cells in the honeycomb.

The worker bees ensure that the eggs are maintained at an optimal temperature and humidity level for proper development.

It is important to note that various factors such as the age of the queen bee, environmental conditions, and the nutritional status of the colony can influence the development of the eggs.

To support the healthy development of the eggs, it is crucial to maintain a well-functioning hive with sufficient resources and a robust and productive queen.

Regular inspections and proper hive management techniques can help ensure optimal conditions for the Egg Stage and the overall health of the honey bee colony.

By understanding and monitoring the Egg Stage, beekeepers can evaluate the reproductive health of the colony and take appropriate measures to sustain a thriving bee population.

Remember to always handle bees and hives with care and seek guidance from experienced beekeepers or professionals when needed.

Larva Stage

The Larva stage is a crucial and significant part of the honey bee life cycle.

During this specific Larva stage, worker bees diligently provide the honey bee larva with a well-balanced mixture of nutritious pollen and sweet nectar, commonly known as “bee bread”.

Remarkably, the larva undergoes rapid growth and undergoes multiple molting processes, shedding its external exoskeleton each time.

Throughout this particular stage, the larva heavily relies on the dedicated care and nourishment provided by the diligent worker bees.

An ingeniously crafted cell made of beeswax serves as the secure dwelling for the precious larva during this pivotal stage.

Pupa Stage

The pupa stage is a crucial part of the honey bee life cycle, where the larvae undergo metamorphosis and transform into adult bees.

During this stage, the bees develop within a protective cell in the hive.

Here is a table highlighting the key details about the pupa stage:

Pupa Stage
Duration	The pupa stage typically lasts for about 12 days.
Growth and Development	During this stage, the larvae undergo significant changes and development, including the formation of wings, legs, and other body parts.
Cell Construction	The worker bees construct special wax cells in which the larvae are sealed during the pupa stage. These cells provide protection and create an optimal environment for development.
Nutrition	Worker bees feed the developing larvae with a mixture of honey and bee bread, a mixture of pollen and nectar. This nutrition helps support their growth and development.
Activity	Inside the sealed cell, the pupae are relatively inactive, as they mainly focus on physiological changes and tissue development.

During the pupa stage, the transformation from a helpless larva to a fully developed bee takes place.

It is a critical stage in the life cycle of honey bees, marking the transition from immaturity to adulthood.

Adult Bee Stage

The adult bee stage, also known as the adult bee phase, is a pivotal period in the life cycle of honey bees.

During this significant stage, the bees assume various roles and responsibilities within the hive.

Role	Description
Forager bees	These adult bees, being part of the adult bee stage, are tasked with the crucial responsibility of collecting nectar, pollen, and water from outside the hive. They diligently embark on long-distance flights to acquire these essential resources, subsequently bringing them back to the hive.
Nurse bees	Similar to the other adult bees in this stage, nurse bees actively participate in the adult bee phase. Their primary duties revolve around caring for the brood, which involves tasks such as feeding and cleaning the larvae. Additionally, nurse bees play a vital role in secreting royal jelly, a substance used to nourish the queen bee.
Guard bees	Contributing to the adult bee stage, guard bees effectively safeguard the hive from potential intruders and predators. Positioned at the entrance of the hive, they diligently inspect all incoming bees, ensuring that they belong to the colony.
Builder bees	In the adult bee stage, builder bees assume the responsibility of constructing and maintaining the intricate honeycomb structure of the hive. Their expertise lies in creating specialized cells designed for the storage of honey, pollen, and brood.
Queen bee	As part of the adult bee stage, the queen bee emerges and attains reproductive maturity. She becomes the pivotal member responsible for the colony’s continued existence. The queen mates with drones and lays eggs, consequently ensuring the sustainable population of the hive.

Each adult bee within the hive plays a crucial role in the survival and optimal functioning of the colony.

Their collective efforts contribute significantly to vital tasks, including pollination, honey production, and beeswax production.

The Function of Different Cells in a Hive

In a buzzing honey bee hive, the function of different cells is a fascinating topic to explore.

Let’s dive into the world of brood cells, honey cells, and pollen cells. Discover how each of these specialized compartments serves a unique purpose within the hive.

From nurturing future generations to storing delectable nectar and gathering essential pollen, these cells play a crucial role in the life and productivity of a honey bee colony.

Prepare to be amazed by the intricate organization of the hive!

Brood Cells

The brood cells, also known as nursery cells, are an essential component in the life cycle of honey bees.

These specialized cells serve as the primary location for the development of honey bee larvae.

Here are some crucial facts about brood cells:

Quantity: A honey bee hive can contain a vast number of brood cells, ranging from hundreds to thousands, depending on the size and strength of the colony.
Appearance: Brood cells have a distinctive shape and size that sets them apart from other cells within the hive. They are slightly larger and maintain a cylindrical form.
Purpose: The main function of brood cells is to provide a suitable environment for the queen bee to lay her eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the larvae undergo metamorphosis, eventually emerging as fully developed adult bees.
Construction: The construction of brood cells is carried out by worker bees using beeswax. This beeswax is generated from specialized wax glands located on their abdomen. The cells are skillfully crafted to ensure a secure and conducive environment for the maturation of the brood.
Temperature Regulation: Maintaining optimal temperature is vital for the successful development of the brood. Worker bees regulate the temperature inside the hive through wing fanning and heat absorption or dissipation.

Did you know? The arrangement of brood cells within the hive follows a specific pattern called “brood comb,” which consists of both worker brood cells and drone brood cells.

This organized structure maximizes space utilization and promotes the overall growth and development of the honey bee colony.

Honey Cells

Here is a table that explains the different types of cells found in a honey bee hive:

Cell Type	Function
Honey Cells	Honey cells are hexagonal wax cells used to store honey. Worker bees collect nectar from flowers and convert it into honey, which is then stored in these cells. The honey serves as a food source for the hive during times when nectar is scarce.
Pollen Cells	Pollen cells are also hexagonal wax cells, but they are smaller compared to honey cells. Worker bees gather pollen from flowers and pack it into these cells. Pollen serves as a protein source for the hive and is used to feed the developing brood.
Brood Cells	Brood cells are larger hexagonal cells where the queen bee lays eggs. These cells are used for the development of honey bee larvae. Once an egg is laid, it hatches into a larva, which is then fed by worker bees. The larva undergoes several stages of growth until it pupates and eventually emerges as an adult bee.

The honey cells in a honey bee hive are specifically designed to store honey.

These hexagonal wax cells are created by worker bees using beeswax, a substance produced by their bodies.

The unique shape of these cells allows for efficient storage of honey while maximizing space within the hive.

The honey cells are capped with a thin layer of beeswax once they are filled with honey to protect the contents.

Honey is a vital resource for honey bees as it provides them with the energy they need to carry out their daily activities.

The storage of honey in honey cells allows for the preservation of this valuable food source, ensuring the survival of the colony during periods of scarcity.

Pollen Cells

Pollen cells, which are found in a honey bee hive, have a variety of functions.

These cells serve as storage compartments for the pollen that is collected by the diligent worker bees.

The collected pollen is stored in these cells and serves as a vital food source for both developing larvae and adult bees.

It is important to note that pollen is a diet that is rich in proteins and essential nutrients, which are crucial for the growth and development of honey bee larvae.

Furthermore, the pollen cells play a pivotal role in the brood rearing process by providing the necessary nutrition for the young bees.

An interesting feature of these cells is that they have distinct colors, which serve as an indicator of the different types and sources of pollen that have been collected by the bees in the hive.

The Social Organization Inside a Hive

In a honey bee hive, the social organization is where the real buzz happens!

Get ready to explore the fascinating world inside the hive, where communication takes the form of intricate dances, labor is divided like a well-oiled machine, and the defense of the hive is a shared responsibility.

So, let’s dive into this section and uncover the secrets of how honey bees keep their hive running smoothly.

Communication through Dance

Communication through dance is an intriguing aspect of honey bee hives.

Honey bees utilize a unique behavior known as the waggle dance to communicate with one another.

This dance, performed by worker bees, effectively conveys essential information regarding the location of food sources such as nectar and pollen to their fellow hive-mates.

During this fascinating waggle dance, a foraging bee moves in a figure-eight pattern while waggling its abdomen on the honeycomb’s surface.

The direction and duration of the waggle run convey the food source’s direction and distance from the hive.

Additionally, the angle of the waggle run represents its relation to the sun.

This dance serves to synchronize the foraging efforts of the worker bees, enabling them to efficiently locate and gather resources to bring back to the hive.

By sharing information about food sources through dance, honey bees ensure that the entire colony reaps the benefits of the available resources.

Witnessing how honey bees utilize dance to communicate intricate information without relying on verbal language is truly remarkable.

This method of communication through dance stands as a vital component of the honey bee’s social organization and plays a crucial role in their colony’s survival and success.

Division of Labor

The division of labor in honey bee hives is a crucial aspect of their social organization and efficient functioning.

Worker bees: The majority of bees in a hive are worker bees. These female bees perform various tasks such as cleaning the hive, feeding the larvae, collecting nectar and pollen, building honeycomb cells, and guarding the hive.
Queen bee: The queen bee has the essential role of laying eggs. She is responsible for the reproduction of the hive and is cared for by the worker bees. Her primary function is to maintain the population of the hive.
Drone bees: The drone bees are male bees whose sole purpose is to mate with a queen from another hive. They do not have stingers and do not perform any other tasks within the hive.
Age-based division: The division of labor within the worker bee population is also based on age. Younger bees typically take on tasks within the hive, such as cleaning and feeding, while older bees venture out for foraging and collecting resources.
Task switching: Honey bee workers are capable of switching tasks based on the needs of the hive. For example, if there is a shortage of foragers, younger bees may begin foraging earlier than usual to meet the hive’s needs.

The division of labor in honey bee hives ensures that each bee has a specific role and responsibility, contributing to the overall productivity and survival of the hive.

Hive Defense

Hive defense is an essential aspect of honey bee hives.

Bees have developed a range of strategies to safeguard their hive from potential threats, ensuring the safety and survival of the honey bee colony.

One crucial defense measure is the presence of guard bees.

These worker bees take on the responsibility of patrolling the hive entrance, carefully inspecting every incoming bee to ensure they belong to the colony.

Guard bees also act as protectors, defending the hive against predators or intruders.

When a guard bee detects a potential threat, it releases alarm pheromones to alert other bees in the hive.

This communication signal triggers a prompt response from the colony, prompting worker bees to quickly gather and defend the hive.

In addition to alarm pheromones, bees possess stingers that they use as a defense mechanism.

If an intruder persists despite the warnings, the guard bees and other workers will not hesitate to sting in order to protect the hive.

This stinging action can be a potent deterrent for predators and trespassers.

Furthermore, bees employ a unique defense mechanism known as heat generation.

By rapidly vibrating their flight muscles, bees create heat inside the hive.

This rise in temperature makes it uncomfortable for certain pests or parasites, serving as an effective defense strategy.

Historically, hive defense has always been a top priority for beekeepers.

In ancient times, beekeepers implemented various methods to protect their hives from external threats.

These methods included placing hives in hidden or elevated locations, using physical barriers, or even relying on natural predators of hive pests to regulate their populations.

As times have changed, modern beekeepers continue to prioritize hive defense to maintain the health and productivity of their colonies.

Types of Honey Bee Hives

Did you know that honey bees build different types of hives?

In this section, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of honey bee hives and explore the unique characteristics of each type.

From the traditional Langstroth hive to the innovative Top-Bar hive and the eco-friendly Warre hive, we’ll uncover the distinct features that make these hives so noteworthy.

Get ready to discover the incredible diversity within the honey bee world and gain a deeper appreciation for their architectural wonders.

Langstroth Hive

The Langstroth Hive is a popular choice for beekeepers due to its versatility and efficiency.

It revolutionized modern beekeeping and remains a staple in the industry.

Modular Design: The Langstroth Hive consists of stacked boxes called supers, which can be added or removed as needed. This modular design allows for easy expansion or contraction of the Langstroth Hive.
Frames: Each super contains removable frames that hold the beeswax comb. This allows beekeepers to inspect the Langstroth Hive and harvest honey without disturbing the entire colony.
Standardized Measurements: Langstroth Hives have standardized measurements for the supers and frames, making it easier to exchange equipment between Langstroth Hives or purchase new supplies.
Excellent Bee Space: The design of the Langstroth Hive provides the ideal amount of space for bees to move and work efficiently. This promotes colony health and productivity.
Increase Honey Production: The Langstroth Hive’s ability to easily add additional supers allows beekeepers to maximize honey production. This Langstroth Hive design is especially effective for commercial beekeeping operations.

The Langstroth Hive was invented by Reverend Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth in the 1850s.

His innovation in creating movable frames with a specific spacing between them revolutionized beekeeping practices.

It greatly simplified Langstroth Hive management and honey extraction.

The Langstroth Hive became widely adopted and remains an essential tool for beekeepers around the world.

Top-Bar Hive

The Top-Bar Hive is a unique and effective type of hive used in beekeeping.

It provides a more natural and sustainable approach to beekeeping compared to traditional hives.

The Top-Bar Hive is designed as a horizontal structure with bars placed across the top, where bees build their comb.

This type of hive promotes natural bee behavior and allows the bees to construct their comb in a more organic way.

In a Top-Bar Hive, the bees build their comb downward from the top bars, creating a single comb per bar.

This allows for easy inspection and management of the hive without disturbing the bees as much as in traditional hives.

The bars can be easily removed for honey extraction and comb management.

The Top-Bar Hive is especially beneficial for hobbyist beekeepers and those who prioritize sustainability and biodiversity.

It provides a less intrusive and more sustainable environment for the bees, allowing them to thrive and maintain their natural behaviors.

It also helps to conserve resources and protect the bee population by promoting natural comb construction and reducing the use of foundation wax.

The Top-Bar Hive design traces its roots to Africa, where it has been used for centuries.

It has gained popularity in recent years as more beekeepers recognize its benefits and ecological value.

The design has been adapted and modified by beekeepers around the world to suit different climates and beekeeping practices.

Its simplicity and efficiency make it a favored choice among environmentally-conscious beekeepers.

Warre Hive

The Warre Hive is a type of bee hive that was invented in the early 20th century by French beekeeper Emile Warre.

It is known for its simplicity and natural approach to beekeeping.

Vertical design: Unlike other hives, the Warre Hive is designed vertically, with boxes stacked on top of each other. This allows the bees to build their comb naturally, as they would in the wild.
Top-bars: Instead of using frames with pre-built comb, the Warre Hive uses top-bars. These are strips of wood that the bees attach their comb to. This promotes natural comb building and allows for easy management.
Insulated design: The Warre Hive is designed to provide insulation for the bees, helping them maintain a stable temperature and reduce stress. This is achieved through the use of straw or other insulating materials.
Minimal intervention: The philosophy behind the Warre Hive is to minimize human intervention and allow the bees to follow their natural instincts. This means less interference with the bees’ activities, resulting in healthier and more resilient colonies.
Low-cost and low-maintenance: The Warre Hive is a cost-effective option for beekeepers, as it can be constructed using readily available materials. It also requires less maintenance compared to other hive designs.

If you are interested in a more hands-off approach to beekeeping and want to prioritize the natural behavior and well-being of your bees, the Warre Hive may be a suitable choice for you.

Just remember to research and learn about the specific requirements and techniques associated with this hive to ensure the success of your beekeeping endeavors.

Importance of Honey Bee Hives

Looking at the importance of honey bee hives, we uncover a world of wonders.

From pollination to honey production, and the creation of beeswax and propolis, these sub-sections reveal the extraordinary contributions made by honey bee hives.

With fascinating facts and intriguing statistics, this section highlights the pivotal role these hives play in the delicate balance of our ecosystem and the sweet bounty they provide.

It’s time to delve into the buzzing world of honey bee hives and discover the captivating reasons behind their significance.

Pollination

Here is a table providing information about the importance of pollination in honey bee hives:

Topic	Description
Pollination	Pollination is a crucial process in honey bee hives where bees transfer pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds and fruits. This process enables the continuation of plant species and contributes to biodiversity.

Pro-tip: Protecting honey bee hives and promoting pollination is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Planting diverse flowering plants, minimizing pesticide use, and creating bee-friendly habitats in your garden can attract bees and support their pollination efforts.

Honey Production

Honey Production	Key Facts
Honey Bee Hive	Bees collect nectar from flowers and transform it into honey.
Worker Bees	These bees are responsible for gathering nectar and converting it into honey.
Nectar	Worker bees collect nectar from flowers using their proboscis.
Enzymes	Worker bees add enzymes to the collected nectar to start the process of converting it into honey.
Ripening	The collected nectar is then stored in honeycomb cells where it undergoes dehydration to reduce its water content.
Honeycomb	Honey bees create beeswax comb to store the ripened honey.
Capping	Once the honey is sufficiently dehydrated, the worker bees seal the honeycomb cells with beeswax caps.
Harvesting	Beekeepers carefully remove the honey-filled frames from the hive and extract the honey using centrifugal force.
Filtering	The extracted honey is strained to remove any impurities such as wax or bee parts.
Bottling	The filtered honey is then bottled and ready for consumption.

Pro-tip: When buying honey, look for labels that indicate honey production is pure and raw, without any additives or artificial sweeteners.

The color and flavor of honey can vary depending on the types of flowers the bees fed on, so experiment with different varieties to find your favorite.

Beeswax and Propolis

Beeswax and Propolis

Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural substance secreted by honey bees. It is used by worker bees to construct and repair the honeycomb cells in the hive. Beeswax, known for its numerous properties and uses, incorporates:
- Building Structure: Beeswax provides the structural foundation for the honeycomb cells, ensuring stability and support for the hive.
- Storage: The cells made of beeswax are used to store honey, pollen, and larvae.
- Protective Coating: Beeswax acts as a protective barrier, sealing the cells and preserving the contents inside.
- Human Uses: Beeswax is used in various products, such as candles, cosmetics, and even as a natural food glaze.
Propolis: Propolis, a sticky resin-like substance collected by bees from plants and trees, plays several important functions within the hive:
- Hive Defense: Propolis is used to fill gaps and cracks in the hive, creating a barrier against intruders and maintaining hive security.
- Antimicrobial Properties: Propolis has antimicrobial properties that help protect the bees from bacterial and fungal infections.
- Cell Disinfection: Bees use propolis to clean and disinfect the cells in the hive, ensuring a hygienic environment for the brood.
- Health Benefits: Propolis is also renowned for its potential health benefits in humans, including immune system support and wound healing.

Some Facts About Honey Bee Hive:

✅ Honey bees live in hives and are divided into three types: queen, workers, and drones.
✅ If the queen bee dies, workers will create a new queen by selecting a young larva and feeding it royal jelly.
✅ Honey bees produce honey as food stores for the hive during winter.
✅ The average worker bee lives for five to six weeks and produces around a twelfth of a teaspoon of honey.
✅ Over the past 15 years, colonies of bees have been disappearing, and the reason remains unknown. (Source: National Geographic Kids)

FAQ

What is colony collapse disorder?

Colony collapse disorder refers to the phenomenon where colonies of honey bees suddenly disappear, leaving behind only the queen and a few worker bees. The cause of this disorder is unknown, but it has led to a significant decrease in honey bee populations globally.

Is the term “honeybee” written as one word or two words?

Both are correct. The term “honeybee” is listed as one word in dictionaries, but entomologists commonly use the two-word convention “honey bee” as well.

What do honey bees use their antennae for?

Honey bees use their antennae to taste. They can detect chemicals and substances in their environment, allowing them to identify food sources and communicate within the hive.

How do worker honey bees communicate?

Worker honey bees communicate primarily through chemicals called pheromones. These substances are released by different members of the hive to convey messages about food sources, danger, and the location of the queen.

What kind of food do honey bees eat?

Honey bees consume nectar, pollen, insect secretions, and sometimes fruit. They gather nectar to produce honey, which serves as their food stores during winter when food sources are scarce.

How far can foraging honey bees fly?

Foraging honey bees can typically fly between 1-6 km on a single trip, although they are capable of flying up to 13.5 km.

They visit numerous flowers during their journey, often traveling around 55,000 miles and visiting approximately 2 million flowers to produce a pound of honey.