Whiteholmes Farm, Birchover Lane, Winster, Matlock, Derbyshire,UK. DE4 2BJ
Contact@WhiteholmesApiaries.com |
Tel: Robert - 07528029390
Anthony - 07761956028
The Lifecycle of a Honeybee
Since a single colony can contain 30,000 to 60,000 honey bees, knowing how to recognize the life stage, role, and responsibilities of each individual bee is of great value in evaluating the health and strength of a colony. Strong colonies must have healthy, well mated queens and adequate populations of adults and brood in various stages of growth. Beekeepers caring for bees should be able to inspect a colony and evaluate the vitality of the colony based on signs of organized and sustained reproduction.
Egg Stage (Days 1-3): The lifecycle of a honeybee commences with the queen bee laying eggs within the hexagonal cells of the hive. These eggs are minuscule, resembling tiny grains of rice. Worker bees and the queen bee herself are produced from fertilized eggs, while unfertilized eggs develop into drones, the male bees. A healthy, well mated queen bee can ay up to 3000 eggs a day.
Larval Stage (Days 4-9): The eggs hatch into larvae, entirely dependent on the worker bees to feed them. Nurse bees provide a diet of royal jelly to potential queens, ensuring their growth and development. Meanwhile, worker bee larvae are nourished with a combination of pollen and honey, and the drone larvae receive a less nutritious diet. Throughout this stage, they grow in size.
Pupal Stage (Days 10-24): As the larvae mature, they spin cocoons and transform into pupae, sealed in their individual cells. Inside these protective chambers, remarkable changes occur. Their bodies undergo a complete transformation, developing all the characteristics of an adult honeybee. This stage is crucial in shaping the bee’s final form.
Adult Emergence (Day 21 onwards): Finally, the adult honeybee emerges from its cell, breaking free from the cocoon. The timing varies among the types of bees: Queen bees emerge on day 16, worker bees on day 21, and lastly, on day 24 drones emerge. Upon emergence, the bees’ primary responsibilities begin.
Worker Bees: Workers, comprising the majority of the hive, immediately assume various tasks. Younger worker bees begin by cleaning the hive, feeding the brood, and producing wax. As they age, they take on roles such as guarding the hive, foraging for nectar and pollen, and eventually transitioning to foraging duties outside the hive.
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Queen Bee: The queen bee, the heart of the colony, embarks on her reign by mating with multiple drones. She can live for several years, laying thousands of eggs daily, ensuring the hive’s survival. Her role is pivotal in maintaining the hive's population and harmony.
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Drone Bees: Drones are the male bees, exist solely for mating with a queen. They do not forage or contribute to the hive's maintenance. Their sole purpose is to mate with a receptive queen, after which they die. edit me. It's easy.