Bees are highly social insects that live in complex colonies, often numbering in the thousands. They belong to the order Hymenoptera and typically measure between 8 to 20 mm in length. Their bodies are usually yellow-brown or dark brown with dense hairs covering them. The head and thorax are nearly equal in width, while their antennae are bent, and their compound eyes are oval and covered in fine hairs. Bees have a specialized mouthpart for both chewing and sucking, and their lower lip is elongated. Their hind legs are adapted for collecting pollen, and they possess two pairs of transparent wings—larger front wings and smaller rear wings, connected by tiny hooks. The abdomen is nearly elliptical, with less hair than the thorax, and ends with a stinger.
The life cycle of bees includes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Within a hive, the society is matriarchal, led by a single queen bee responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the colony’s stability. Worker bees, all female, perform various tasks such as feeding larvae, foraging, and defending the hive.
Beekeeping requires careful attention to environmental conditions. The ideal temperature range for bees is between 15°C and 25°C. When temperatures fall between 5°C and 35°C, bees can leave the hive to forage. During the breeding season, the queen lays eggs, and worker bees feed the larvae. This period coincides with the availability of nectar and pollen, making it a crucial time for honey production. However, when temperatures drop below 10°C, the queen stops laying eggs, and the colony enters a resting phase, forming clusters to conserve heat and survive the winter.
In temperate regions, the queen begins laying eggs again in early spring, and the colony gradually rebuilds its population. Winter bees, which are longer-lived, are replaced by new generations that are more efficient at foraging and caring for young. This leads to rapid colony growth. Throughout the year, the number of bees fluctuates depending on climate, food availability, and the health of the colony.
The bee colony's annual cycle can be divided into several phases: recovery, development, peak, autumn rejuvenation, wintering, and summer dormancy. Each stage has distinct characteristics but overlaps with others. For example, during the strong growth phase, the colony reaches its maximum size, with hundreds of thousands of bees working together to collect nectar and raise brood.
In subtropical areas, high summer temperatures can stress the colony, forcing bees to work harder to cool the hive. As temperatures drop in late autumn, the queen resumes laying eggs, and the colony starts to recover. These seasonal changes shape the rhythm of bee activity and influence honey production cycles. Understanding these patterns helps beekeepers manage hives effectively and ensure the long-term health of their colonies.
Yinchuan Erxin Technology Co., LTD , https://www.exmedmodel.com