The Queen Bee

The queen bee is the beating heart of every hive. In this article, we address common questions about her birth, her function, and her importance to the entire colony.

The queen bee is the principal fertile female in the hive, responsible for laying eggs and ensuring the colony’s survival.

to develop the traits of a queen, including the ability to lay eggs.

She lives in the hive, surrounded by worker bees that feed and protect her. If the colony decides to replace her (due to age or fertility issues), they will rear a new queen from a young larva.

Without a healthy, fertile queen, the hive cannot renew or grow. The entire colony could weaken or perish.

The worker bees will attempt to raise a new queen from very young larvae if available. Otherwise, the hive may collapse.

A queen bee can live two to three years (sometimes more), much longer than worker bees.

An unfertilized queen lays only haploid (drone) eggs, leading to an unsustainable colony in the long run.

Beekeepers often look for fresh eggs and a consistent brood pattern. If these are present, the queen is likely alive and laying.

, depending on the season and hive strength.

Yes, she can, but usually only does so in conflicts with rival queens.

The queen is fed royal jelly, a high-protein substance secreted by nurse bees.

The male is called a drone, produced from unfertilized eggs.

The queen bee is the foundation upon which the colony’s survival rests. Understanding her lifecycle and needs is essential for any beekeeper aiming for success.