What are some jobs bees do?

Bees in a colony don’t all do the same thing—their jobs depend on their role and age. Here’s a rundown of some of the key tasks: • The Queen Bee:  – Her main role is reproduction. She lays eggs to ensure the colony’s survival.  – She also produces pheromones that help regulate the hive’s behavior and keep the colony unified. • Worker Bees:  – Nursing: Young worker bees feed and care for the larvae and even attend to the queen’s needs.  – Housekeeping: They clean and maintain the hive, making sure everything is in order.  – Foraging: Older workers leave the hive to collect nectar, pollen, water, and plant resins (used to make propolis, a substance that helps seal and protect the hive).  – Thermoregulation: Some worker bees fan their wings to help regulate the hive’s temperature, keeping it comfortable and safe for all members.  – Defense: They act as guards by patrolling the entrance to the hive to fend off intruders and protect their home. • Drones:  – Their main task is to mate with virgin queens from other colonies.  – Drones do not participate in foraging, nursing, or cleaning. They’re essentially the “male” bees whose primary function is to provide genetic diversity to the species. Each bee’s role is vital to the survival and success of the colony, and as they age, worker bees transition through several roles—from in-hive duties to foraging and defending their home.