Every hive has a queen bee. The queen is the reproductive female and can lay from 1,500 eggs to 2,000 eggs per day. Every colony needs one queen to survive, but it’s not easy for bees to pick their queen.
Who is the queen bee, and why do bees need a queen?
The queen bee is the most important in the hive. She is the only bee that can lay eggs. The other bees in the hive are responsible for collecting nectar and pollen, building wax comb, and caring for the young bees. The queen bee lives for about five years.
Queen Bee Duties
A queen bee’s job is to lay eggs and keep the hive alive. She does this by producing pheromones that keep the bees calm and happy. The queen also has a stinger, but she rarely uses it.
How Do Bees Choose Their Queen?
Bees are one of the most interesting creatures on the planet. Not only do they make honey, but they also have an impressive social structure in which they live. One of the most critical roles in a bee colony is that of the queen. The queen is the largest bee in the colony and is responsible for laying all eggs. So, how does a bee colony choose its queen?
When a bee colony is ready to produce a new queen, the worker bees randomly select up to 20 fertile eggs. These larvae are fed a special diet called royal jelly, which causes them to develop into queens. Once the queens are mature, they will compete in a process called a queen Bee ball. The queens will battle until only one remains, and the last queen standing will be crowned as the new queen of the colony. She will be the only one who can mate with the drones. The hive has found its new ruler of the hive.
Nesting Sites
Bees are very particular about their nesting sites. They will spend a lot of time scouting out locations before finally settling on one. Some of the factors they take into consideration include:
- The size and shape of the cavity
- The amount of sunlight exposure
- The proximity to food sources
- The presence of other bees
So, there you have it! That’s how bees choose their queen.
Conclusion
Bees are amazing creatures that work tirelessly to ensure the survival of their hive. Next time you see a bee, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work they do!
