The queen honey bee plays a crucial role in the functioning and survival of a honey bee colony.
As the title suggests, this article aims to provide comprehensive information about the queen honey bee, from her characteristics and life cycle to her importance in the colony’s dynamics.
Understanding the queen bee is key to understanding the inner workings of a bee colony and the reproductive processes that ensure its continuity.
To begin, let’s introduce the queen honey bee and explore what sets her apart from other bees in the colony.
We will delve into her role within the colony and how she influences the behavior of worker bees.
We will discuss the life cycle of a queen bee, from her development as an egg to her emergence and mating flight.
Understanding these stages is essential in comprehending the reproductive process of queen honey bees.
Next, we will focus on the characteristics that distinguish a queen bee, including her size and appearance, longevity, fertilization and egg-laying ability, as well as her production of pheromones.
These traits play a vital role in maintaining the harmony and hierarchy within the colony.
Furthermore, we will explore the importance of the queen bee in a bee colony.
We will examine how her presence and pheromones influence the behavior of the worker bees, establish social order, and ensure efficient division of labor.
We will also discuss the implications that arise when the queen bee dies or fails.
Lastly, we will delve into the mating and reproduction of queen honey bees. We will explore the mating process, the factors influencing mating success, and the production of new queen bees within the colony.
By the end of this article, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of the queen honey bee, her significance in a bee colony, and the processes essential to the colony’s survival and reproduction.
What is a Queen Honey Bee?
A queen honey bee is a critical member of a honey bee colony.
What is a Queen Honey Bee?
She is the largest bee in the colony and is responsible for laying eggs, ensuring the survival of the colony.
The queen honey bee is created when a larvae is fed royal jelly throughout her development.
This special diet triggers her to become sexually mature and develop reproductive organs.
Once she emerges as an adult, she goes on a mating flight where she mates with multiple male bees, storing their sperm for future use.
The queen’s main role is to lay eggs, which she does at an impressive rate.
On average, a queen honey bee can lay up to 2,000 eggs per day, ensuring the growth and productivity of the colony.
She is also responsible for releasing pheromones that regulate the behavior and cohesion of the other bees in the colony.
In ancient Egypt, honey bees and their queens were highly revered and considered sacred.
The Egyptians understood the importance of the queen bee in the survival and prosperity of the hive.
They even used hieroglyphics to depict the queen bee and her powerful role in their culture.
Today, we continue to appreciate the queen honey bee for her vital contribution to honey bee colonies and the overall ecosystem.
What is the Role of the Queen Bee in a Colony?
What is the Role of the Queen Bee in a Colony?
The role of the queen bee in a colony is vital for the survival and functioning of the bee community.
- The queen bee is responsible for laying eggs, which ensures the continuity of the colony. She lays up to 2,000 eggs per day, contributing to the population growth and stability.
- She releases pheromones that communicate with the worker bees, guiding their behavior and maintaining harmony within the colony. These pheromones help regulate tasks such as foraging, nursing larvae, and defending the hive.
- The queen bee’s primary role is to mate with drones from other colonies, enhancing genetic diversity within the hive. This genetic diversity strengthens the overall health and adaptability of the bee population.
- Her presence also prevents other female worker bees from developing reproductive capabilities, maintaining order and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.
- When the queen bee dies or fails, it creates a state of emergency within the colony. The worker bees respond by selecting and raising a new queen to maintain the colony’s reproductive and social structure.
The role of the queen bee goes beyond simple reproduction.
Her influence on the behavior of the worker bees and the overall functioning of the colony is crucial for its success and survival.
Life Cycle of a Queen Honey Bee
From the development from egg to larva, to the pupal stage, emergence and mating flight, and finally, egg-laying and reproduction, let’s delve into the fascinating life cycle of a queen honey bee – the heart and soul of a thriving hive.
Discover the incredible transformations, vital roles, and the remarkable journey that these regal insects embark on as they contribute to the well-being and sustainability of their colony.
Get ready to be captivated by the wonders of the queen honey bee’s life cycle!
Development from Egg to Larva
When the queen honey bee begins her development, she starts as an egg that is laid by the current queen bee.
The egg is relatively small and soft, measuring about 1.6mm in length.
It is highly important for the future colony as it will eventually undergo development from egg to larva.
- Development: The egg hatches within a few days and the larva emerges. During this stage, the larva is fed a special food called royal jelly. The royal jelly is produced by the worker bees and contains essential nutrients, proteins, and hormones necessary for the larva’s growth.
- Growth: As the larva continues to consume royal jelly, it undergoes rapid growth. The larva molts several times, shedding its outer skin in order to accommodate its increasing size. During this period, the larva is cared for and nurtured by the worker bees in the colony.
- Note the Purpose: The development from egg to larva is crucial for the colony as it ensures the production of a new queen bee. This new queen bee will play a vital role in the colony’s survival, taking over the responsibilities of the current queen bee when she either dies or becomes incapable of reproduction.
During the larval stage, the future queen bee’s physical features and reproductive organs begin to develop.
It is during this stage that the larva experiences development from egg to larva.
It is provided with all the necessary nutrients to become a fully grown and fertile queen in the future.
This process takes about 5-6 days from the time the egg is laid until the larva is ready to enter the next stage of its life cycle.
Pupal Stage
| Pupal Stage |
| The pupal stage is a critical phase in the development of a queen honey bee. During this stage, the larva undergoes metamorphosis and transforms into an adult bee. |
| Duration: The pupal stage typically lasts for about 8-9 days.[1] |
| Cell Structure: A queen larva is placed in a specially constructed queen cell by the worker bees. The cell is larger and vertically oriented compared to worker brood cells. |
| Feeding: The queen larva is fed with an exclusive diet of royal jelly throughout the pupal stage. This rich and nutritious substance is produced by the worker bees and helps in the development and differentiation of the queen.[2] |
| Morphological Changes: During the pupal stage, the larva undergoes various physiological and morphological changes. The larval tissues differentiate to form the adult structures of the queen bee, including the reproductive organs and specialized glands. |
| Preparation for Emergence: Towards the end of the pupal stage, the queen bee becomes fully developed. She will chew her way out of the queen cell and emerge as an adult bee. |
Fun Fact: Did you know that during the pupal stage, a queen bee’s ovaries fully develop, giving her the ability to lay up to 2,000 eggs per day?
Emergence and Mating Flight
During the emergence and mating flight, the queen honey bee performs a critical role in maintaining the colony’s population growth.
The queen emerges from her pupal stage and takes her first flight, typically within a few days of emergence.
This maiden flight gives her the opportunity to mate with multiple drones from different colonies, ensuring a diverse genetic pool within the colony.
Once the queen successfully mates, she stores the sperm in her specialized organ, the spermatheca, located in her abdomen.
This stored sperm will be utilized for the fertilization of eggs throughout the queen’s lifespan.
The mating flight is an essential step in the reproductive cycle of the queen honey bee.
During this flight, the queen bee releases pheromones to attract drones.
These pheromones indicate her readiness to mate and entice the drones to pursue her.
The actual mating process occurs in the air, with the drones transferring their sperm to the queen.
Once the mating is complete, the drones perish, while the queen returns to the colony to commence her role in laying eggs and fulfilling her reproductive responsibilities.
Did you know that during her mating flight, the queen honey bee has the ability to mate with up to 20 drones?
This allows for genetic diversity within the colony, fostering a healthier and more adaptable bee population.
Egg-Laying and Reproduction
Below is a table outlining the key aspects of egg-laying and reproduction in Queen Honey Bees:
| Egg-Laying Capacity | Details |
| Egg-Laying and Reproduction | The Queen Bee is the only bee in the colony capable of laying eggs. She can lay up to 1500 eggs per day, depending on the availability of resources and the needs of the colony. |
| Fertilization | The Queen Bee mates with drones (male bees) during her mating flight. Once mated, she stores the sperm in her spermatheca and fertilizes the eggs as she lays them. This fertilization process determines whether the eggs develop into female worker bees or queen bees. |
| Egg Development | The Queen Bee starts the egg-laying and reproduction process by depositing fertilized eggs into individual cells within the honeycomb. She carefully selects the cell size based on the type of bee she wants to produce. Worker bee cells are smaller, while queen bee cells are larger. |
| Larval Development | Once the eggs are laid, they develop into larvae within the cells. The worker bees, responsible for caring for the brood, feed the larvae with a mixture of pollen and honey called “royal jelly.” The larvae grow and undergo metamorphosis over several days. |
| Emergence of New Bees | After the larval stage, the fully developed bees emerge from their cells as either worker bees or queen bees. The development process takes approximately 21 days for worker bees and 16 days for queen bees. |
When examining the egg-laying and reproduction processes of Queen Honey Bees, it is evident that the Queen Bee plays a critical role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the colony.
Her ability to lay eggs and control the development of different types of bees is vital for their survival.
To support the healthy egg-laying and reproduction of Queen Honey Bees, beekeepers should provide sufficient resources, such as ample and nutritious food sources, a conducive hive environment, and proper colony management techniques.
This will help ensure the production of strong and productive colonies.
Characteristics of a Queen Bee
Characteristics of a queen bee – a fascinating exploration awaits!
Discover the intriguing traits that set a queen bee apart from her fellow hive members.
From her size and appearance to her remarkable longevity, we’ll uncover the secrets behind her role as the primary egg-layer.
Delve into the world of pheromone production, which shapes the social hierarchy within the hive, and unravel the intricacies of a queen bee’s behavior. Get ready to dive into the captivating realm of the queen bee!
Size and Appearance
Size and appearance are important factors in identifying a queen honey bee.
The size of a queen bee is significantly larger than that of the worker bees in the colony, measuring around 20-25 mm in length compared to the average 12-15 mm of worker bees.
Additionally, the queen bee has a distinct coloration, with a uniform color that can vary from golden-brown to dark brown or black.
This sets her apart from the worker bees who are usually striped with black and yellow bands.
Another distinguishing feature of the queen bee is her wing shape, with shorter wings proportionate to her body compared to the worker bees.
This adaptation allows her to efficiently move within the hive and lay a larger number of eggs.
The size and appearance of the queen bee play a crucial role in her duties and responsibilities within the colony.
Her larger size enables her to fulfill her role as the reproductive powerhouse of the hive, laying thousands of eggs each day.
Additionally, her distinct coloration and body shape make her easily identifiable among the worker bees, facilitating efficient communication within the colony.
Throughout history, the importance of identifying the size and appearance of the queen bee has been recognized.
Beekeepers and researchers have studied these physical characteristics in order to better understand the behavior and dynamics of bee colonies.
By recognizing and observing the size and appearance of the queen bee, beekeepers can effectively manage the health and productivity of their hives, ensuring the survival and prosperity of these remarkable insects.
Longevity
The longevity of a queen honey bee is a crucial characteristic that greatly impacts the overall health and stability of a honey bee colony.
On average, a queen bee can live for up to five years, although this duration can vary depending on multiple factors.
The considerable lifespan of a queen bee is of utmost importance for the survival of the colony.
Throughout her lifetime, the queen bee plays a vital role in the reproduction and maintenance of the colony by laying eggs and ensuring continuous population growth.
Various factors influence the longevity of a queen bee.
One such factor is the quality of the honey and royal jelly she consumes during her larval stage.
A diet rich in nutrients and proteins can significantly enhance her overall health, contributing to her longevity.
Furthermore, the genetic traits inherited from her parents also play a crucial part in determining her lifespan.
Some queen bees may inherit genes that promote a longer lifespan.
The longevity of a queen bee is essential for maintaining stability and productivity within the colony.
A queen bee with a shorter lifespan can disrupt the colony’s organization and necessitate her replacement sooner than necessary.
Hence, it is vital to ensure the health and longevity of the queen bee for the overall success of the colony.
Fertilization and Egg-Laying Ability
Below is a table showcasing the remarkable fertilization and egg-laying ability of a Queen Honey Bee:
| Fertilization and Egg-Laying Ability |
| A Queen Honey Bee possesses the extraordinary ability to lay all the eggs in a bee colony. |
| The queen bee engages in multiple matings with several drones during her nuptial flight, storing the sperm in her spermatheca. |
| Once fertilized, the queen bee exhibits the capacity to lay eggs throughout her entire lifespan, which can extend up to five years. |
| Depending on the requirements of the colony, she has the potential to lay up to 2,000 eggs per day. |
| By exerting control over the sex of the eggs she lays, the queen bee fertilizes them with stored sperm to generate female worker bees, while unfertilized eggs give rise to male drones. |
| The survival and growth of the bee colony greatly depend on the queen bee’s exceptional egg-laying ability. |
A true story that perfectly illustrates the astonishing fertilization and egg-laying ability of Queen Honey Bees is that of a beekeeper who encountered a decrease in egg-laying activity by the queen in one of their hives.
Recognizing the urgency to ensure the colony’s survival, the beekeeper took decisive measures by providing the queen with a nourishing diet and creating a stress-free environment.
This proactive intervention yielded remarkable results as the queen’s egg-laying ability improved significantly, leading to the prosperous revival of the entire colony.
This narrative convincingly underscores the critical role played by the queen bee in guaranteeing the expansion and sustainability of a bee colony through her extraordinary fertilization and egg-laying capabilities.
Pheromone Production
| Pheromone Production |
| 1. Pheromones are chemicals |
| 2. Produced by the queen bee |
| 3. Released into the hive |
| 4. Serve as signals |
| 5. Influence the behavior of other bees |
| 6. Pheromones help maintain social cohesion |
| 7. Queen bee pheromones prevent reproduction by worker bees |
| 8. Pheromones regulate division of labor in the hive |
| 9. Pheromones communicate the queen’s presence and fertility |
| 10. Pheromones play a role in queen succession |
Understanding the importance of pheromone production is crucial in comprehending the role and influence of the queen bee in a honey bee colony.
Pheromone production is the process through which pheromones are created and released by the queen bee into the hive.
These chemicals serve as signals and play a significant role in influencing the behavior of other bees.
Pheromones help maintain social cohesion within the colony and regulate the division of labor among the worker bees.
They also prevent reproduction by worker bees and communicate the queen’s presence and fertility.
Additionally, pheromones play a vital role in queen succession.
Considering the significance of pheromone production, it’s evident that the queen bee’s ability to produce and release these chemicals is essential for the well-being and functioning of the colony.
Without pheromone production, the colony’s organization and functioning would be disrupted, leading to potential difficulties in tasks such as foraging, brood rearing, and overall hive maintenance.
Therefore, pheromone production is a vital aspect of a queen bee’s role and influence in the honey bee colony.
Social Status and Behavior
The social status and behavior of a queen bee play a crucial role in the dynamics of a bee colony.
The queen bee, holding the highest social status within the colony, is the only sexually mature female and is responsible for the reproduction of the entire colony.
The behavior of the queen bee influences the behavior of the worker bees.
Through the release of pheromones, she regulates the activities of the colony, including foraging, nursing, and defending the hive.
The queen bee’s pheromones also serve to maintain harmony within the colony by suppressing the development of ovaries in the worker bees.
This ensures that the workers focus on their assigned tasks and do not compete for reproductive opportunities.
Additionally, the social status of the queen bee is maintained through the worker bees’ constant care and feeding.
These tasks include grooming, feeding, and attending to the queen’s needs.
If the queen bee dies or becomes incapable of reproducing, it can have detrimental effects on the colony.
Without a queen, the worker bees may begin to lay eggs, but these eggs will only develop into drones, resulting in the eventual collapse of the colony.
Understanding the social status and behavior of a queen bee is essential in appreciating the intricate workings of a bee colony.
It highlights the importance of the queen in maintaining the stability and productivity of the hive.
Importance of the Queen Bee in a Bee Colony
The importance of the queen bee in a bee colony cannot be overstated.
The queen bee is the heart and soul of the hive and plays a vital role in the survival and growth of the colony.
Responsible for laying eggs, she ensures the reproduction and thriving of the colony.
Without the queen, the colony would struggle to reproduce and thrive.
The main role of the queen bee is to lay eggs, and she possesses the remarkable ability to lay up to 2,000 eggs a day!
These eggs eventually hatch into worker bees, which are crucial for various tasks such as foraging, caring for the brood, and maintaining the hive.
Additionally, the queen bee produces new queen bees as needed, securing the colony’s future.
Furthermore, the queen bee releases pheromones that contribute to the unity and organization within the colony.
These pheromones regulate the behavior of the worker bees and help them recognize the queen as their leader.
This coordination is essential for the efficient functioning of the hive and overall productivity.
Considering the significance of the queen bee, it is paramount for beekeepers to prioritize the health and well-being of the queen in their hives.
Regular monitoring, providing proper nutrition, and maintaining a suitable hive environment are crucial for ensuring the queen’s longevity and optimal performance.
By giving careful attention to the care of the queen, beekeepers can greatly support the overall success of their bee colonies.
How Does the Queen Bee Influence the Behavior of Worker Bees?
How Does the Queen Bee Influence the Behavior of Worker Bees?
The Queen Bee plays a crucial role in influencing the behavior of worker bees in a colony.
The Queen Bee releases pheromones that communicate her presence and reproductive status to the worker bees.
These pheromones help maintain the unity and organization of the colony.
The pheromones emitted by the Queen Bee suppress the development of ovaries in worker bees, preventing them from laying eggs and ensuring that the Queen remains the primary reproductive individual in the colony.
The Queen Bee’s pheromones also regulate the division of labor within the colony.
They influence the worker bees’ behavior, directing them to perform specific tasks such as foraging, nursing brood, or building comb.
The presence of the Queen Bee also inhibits the development of new queens in the colony.
The worker bees recognize and respect the Queen’s authority, preventing the formation of rival queens and maintaining the stability of the colony.
Through pheromone production and maintaining a dominant presence, the Queen Bee effectively controls the behavior and reproductive functions of the worker bees within the colony.
This ensures the efficient execution of tasks and the overall success and survival of the colony.
What Happens in a Colony when the Queen Bee Dies or Fails?
When the queen bee dies or fails in a colony, several significant events unfold.
What happens in a colony when the queen bee dies or fails?
Firstly, the worker bees will notice the absence of the queen pheromone that she produces to maintain colony cohesion and reproductive inhibition among the workers.
Without this pheromone, the worker bees’ behavior changes, and they begin to exhibit signs of queenlessness.
In response to the queen’s absence, the worker bees may attempt to raise a new queen.
They select several young worker larvae and feed them a special diet of royal jelly.
The larvae chosen to become queens develop into queen bees through this process.
However, the success rate of queen rearing by worker bees is relatively low, typically ranging from 10% to 20%.
If the colony fails to produce a new queen or the newly mated queen fails to return from her mating flight, the colony’s productivity and survival are at risk.
Without a queen to lay eggs, the colony cannot replenish its worker population or maintain its functions.
Ultimately, the colony may dwindle and perish.
Fact: The role of the queen bee is vital for the survival and prosperity of a bee colony. Her presence ensures the overall productivity and sustainability of the colony by regulating worker behavior and ensuring the continuous production of new bees.
Mating and Reproduction of Queen Honey Bees
Mating and reproduction of queen honey bees is a vital process in the honey bee colony.
The queen bee plays a crucial role in the colony’s survival and growth.
She engages in mating with multiple drones during a mating flight, which typically takes place within the first weeks of her life.
The queen bee has complete control over the sperm she gathers during these flights and stores it in a special organ known as the spermatheca.
This stored sperm is then utilized to fertilize the eggs she lays for the duration of her life.
During mating, the queen bee has the capacity to mate with up to 20 drones, ensuring genetic diversity within the colony.
In contrast, the drones perish after mating.
Once the queen bee returns to the hive, she commences her reproductive duties by laying eggs in individual cells of the hive’s comb.
These eggs undergo development, potentially transforming into worker bees, drones, or future queen bees.
The queen’s ability to lay eggs is fundamentally important for maintaining the population and overall health of the colony.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the process of mating and reproduction in queen honey bees is imperative for the survival and productivity of the colony.
The successful mating and fertilization of eggs ensure the growth and sustainability of the hive.
How Does the Queen Bee Mate?
The process by which the queen bee mates is known as “nuptial flight”. This flight involves the queen leaving the hive and flying to a specific location called a “drone congregation area”.
Once at the congregation area, the queen bee emits pheromones to attract male drones from other colonies. These drones then proceed to mate with the queen while in mid-air.
The actual mating process itself is brief and only lasts a few seconds. During this time, the male drones transfer sperm to the queen bee, which she stores in a specialized organ known as the spermatheca.
After mating, the queen bee returns to the hive and assumes her role as the sole egg layer. The sperm obtained from a single mating flight can be stored and used by the queen throughout her entire lifespan, which can span up to five years.
This mating process ensures genetic diversity within the colony. The queen bee mates with multiple drones, thereby increasing the gene pool and contributing to the overall health and adaptability of the bee colony.
The success of the queen bee’s mating is influenced by several factors, such as the availability of drones, environmental conditions, as well as the queen’s age and fertility.
What Factors Affect Mating Success?
Factors that affect mating success in queen honey bees include environmental conditions, genetic compatibility, competition from other drones, rate of drone production, and the presence of predators.
These factors directly influence the ability of a queen bee to successfully mate and produce viable offspring.
1. Environmental conditions: Weather conditions, such as temperature and humidity, play a crucial role in mating success. Bees prefer warm, sunny days for mating flights, as it enhances their ability to fly and locate drone congregations.
2. Genetic compatibility: Queens are attracted to specific characteristics in drones, such as pheromones and wing vibration patterns. Genetic compatibility and diversity are crucial for the health and survival of the colony. A queen’s ability to find genetically suitable drones significantly impacts her mating success.
3. Competition from other drones: Drones from different colonies gather in areas called drone congregation areas (DCAs) to attract queens for mating. The number and quality of drones present in these areas affect a queen’s options for potential mates. High-quality drones with strong genes have a higher chance of successfully mating with a queen.
4. Rate of drone production: The number of drones available for mating is essential for a queen’s potential mating success. A strong and healthy colony that produces a sufficient number of drones increases the chances of finding suitable mates.
5. The presence of predators: Predators, such as birds and insects, can disrupt mating flights and pose a threat to both drones and queens. The existence of natural predators in the vicinity of a mating site can impact the success rate of mating.
Factors affecting mating success in queen honey bees are influenced by both internal and external elements.
Understanding and managing these factors is crucial for the overall health and productivity of a honey bee colony.
How Are New Queen Bees Produced?
How Are New queen bees produced? New queen bees are produced through a process called supersedure.
Supersedure occurs when the worker bees in the colony decide that the current queen bee is not performing well or is nearing the end of her reproductive period.
The workers will start by choosing a few eggs from the brood cells and feeding them a special diet called royal jelly.
Royal jelly is a nutritious secretion produced by the worker bees and it is essential for the development of queen bees.
The eggs that are chosen and fed royal jelly will develop into queen bee larvae.
The queen bee larvae are housed in larger cells compared to worker bee larvae.
During the larval stage, the queen bee larvae will be constantly fed royal jelly until they are fully developed.
After the larval stage, the queen bee larvae will enter the pupal stage where they undergo metamorphosis.
Once the queen bee has fully developed, she will emerge from her cell and go on a mating flight to mate with several drones from other colonies.
After mating, the newly mated queen bee will return to her colony and start laying eggs to build up the population of the colony.
Some Facts About Queen Honey Bees:
- ✅ Queen honey bees are adult, mated females that live in colonies or hives of honey bees.
- ✅ Normally, there is only one queen in a hive, and the bees fiercely protect her.
- ✅ Queen bees are developed from larvae selected by worker bees and specially fed royal jelly to become sexually mature.
- ✅ The development of a queen bee depends on her diet. Queen larvae are fed only royal jelly, while worker larvae are fed a mixture of nectar and pollen called bee bread.
- ✅ Virgin queen bees are smaller and more active than mated queens. They are hard to spot during inspections and may even take flight if disturbed.
FAQ
What is the role of the queen bee in a hive?
The queen bee is crucial to the hive’s survival, with her main role being reproduction. She lays a large number of eggs needed to produce new bees. She also directs the behavior and work assignments of the colony.
How many times does a queen bee mate in her lifetime?
A queen bee mates multiple times during her life. On a mating flight, she mates with 12-15 drones and stores their sperm in her spermatheca. She selectively releases the sperm for the rest of her life.
Do queen bees have a specific appearance?
Yes, queen bees have a distinct appearance. They have a longer abdomen and a different color pattern compared to worker bees. They are slightly larger than other bees in the colony and may have a more tapered abdomen and golden-colored hairs.
How long does a honey bee queen live on average?
Honey bee queens live for two to three years on average, with some living up to five years. However, as the queen ages, her egg-laying abilities decrease, and she may be replaced through a process called supersedure.
Why are queen bees replaced in a hive?
Queen bees may be replaced for various reasons, such as space constraints, poor performance associated with age, or the unexpected death of the queen. The workers detect when a queen is old, diseased, or failing and rear replacement queens.
What is the difference between social bees and solitary bees?
Social bees, like honey bees, live in colonies and work together under the direction of a queen bee. Solitary bees, on the other hand, do not live in colonies and work independently. They do not have a queen or worker bees.
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