Objectives inside colony#
1 . What is the agenda of the honey bee colony?
To reproduce itself by swarming
Survive the next winter by providing sufficient honey supplies
2 . From a beekeeper’s perspective, what is the main roadblock to producing large honey crops?
Colony level reproduction (swarming)
3 . What is the natural nest site/preference for Apis mellifera?
Old growth trees with high insulating properties, preferably 40L in volume with entrances at 9 meters (27ft) in height.
4 . How do honey bees best conserve heat in a cluster?
They enter the comb headfirst to be next to the bees on the other side of the comb
5 . When do winter bees begin the reproductive phase of the colony (preparing and laying brood)?
Around winter solstice.
6 . When is the greatest risk of colony starvation and death and why?
Colonies are at the highest risk of starvation late winter into spring prior to any nectar flow. During this time the queen begins to lay an abundance of eggs in anticipation of the upcoming nectar flow and swarm season. These eggs hatch and need food to survive. Winter stores can quickly be depleted. There is also a need for food since it takes a lot of energy to generate heat to keep the colony warm during cold weather.
7 . According to research by Dr. Tom Seeley, what percentage of swarms survive their first year?
25%
8 . What conditions are present that make it most likely that a colony will swarm?
Warm, longer days
Nectar flow in progress
Large population, congestion in the hive
9 . How much accumulated honey and pollen does a colony need to survive winter?
Depends on location and size of the colony going into winter. Average amounts are around 60 -100 lbs. of honey. Here in Georgia, roughly 1 frame of honey for every frame of bees and brood. Periodic hive checks are essential to make sure colonies have enough honey to survive.
10 . What is nest mate recruitment and how is it encouraged or discouraged?
Nest mate recruitment works as a feedback loop usually at the entrance of the hive. If the forager is met and unloaded quickly, this signals to the forager what is needed most for the colony. For example, if the forager’s nectar supply is quickly unloaded this signal to her to continue foraging for nectar.
11 . What is an “annual colony”? What are examples? How do they differ from honey bees?
An annual colony, only the mated queens survive the winter. The queen hibernates through the winter and emerges to single handedly establish a new colony. Examples are bumble bees and social wasps. A honey bee colony, workers and queens (sometimes drones too) survive the winter.