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Floral Fidelity
What is floral fidelity and why is it important to honey bees? Floral Fidelity Floral fidelity refers to the tendency of a pollinator, for example a honey bee, to consistently visit flowers of the same species during a foraging trip, rather than switching between different types of flowers. Why is floral fidelity important to honey bees?…
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Honey Bees and Water
Bees need water for several reasons. They use it to aid in digestion, make royal jelly, dilute honey, and cool down their hive1. Specifically, honey bees require water for two main purposes: Honey bees collect water from various sources, including damp rocks, branches, muddy puddles, pond edges, and drops adhering to vegetation. They swallow the…
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Inside the Honey Bee Colony: A Division of Labor, Tasks and Responsibilities
In the intricate society of honey bees, every member plays a crucial role in ensuring the survival and success of the colony. From foraging for nectar to caring for the young, each task is meticulously divided among different castes and age groups within the hive. Understanding this division of labor sheds light on the fascinating…
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Exploring the Marvels of Bee Bread
In the bustling world of a beehive, amidst the hum of activity and the dance of the workers, lies a hidden gem of nature – bee bread. This extraordinary substance, meticulously crafted by the industrious honeybees, is not just a mere collection of pollen and nectar; it’s a nutritional powerhouse essential for the survival and…
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The Creation and Colors of Honey
Honey is a product of honey bees. Along with its proven health benefits, it is sweet and delicious alone and in combination with other foods! Why is honey important for honey bees? Honey bee colonies require carbohydrates to maintain the adult population. These carbohydrates come from nectar, honey, or sugar syrup. Honey is their primary…
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Festooning
festoon /fĕ-stoo͞n′/noun1. A string or garland, as of leaves or flowers, suspended in a loop or curve between two points.2. A representation of such a string or garland, as in painting or sculpture.3. A garland or wreath hanging in a depending curve, used in decoration for festivals, etc.; anything arranged in this way.The American Heritage®…
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Piping, Tooting and Quacking: Listen to the Bee’s Music!
Charles Butler (1571–1647) has been called the Father of English Beekeeping. [1] Among his many discoveries was that the colony was governed by a queen bee, the benefits of bees for fruit production and swarm catching. Another startling discovery was the “music” sang by bees. These were tones emitted from within the hive by bees. In 1623…
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Honey Bee Memory
For their colony to survive, honey bees (Apis mellifera) must forage. [2] Successful foragers must learn and remember information about the food resource, that is, the color and shape of the flower, the amount of resource available at the site, the resource’s location, and how to navigate to the resource with respect to the hive’s…
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Preparing For Spring!
No matter the month, Oklahoma weather can be wacky! For example, as I write this post, it is the first of March and winter is slowly releasing its grip, making way for warmer temperatures. But, Spring has not yet “sprung”! As a reminder: last week we saw high temperatures in the mid-80s then a cold…
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Pollen and Nectar Sources in Oklahoma
I see foragers returning to the hive with their corbicula (pollen basket) full of pollen. Especially at the end of winter I am curious what is in bloom that could be providing pollen. Perhaps these tables will help. Major Nectar (N) and Pollen (P) Plant Sources of Oklahoma Plant Name Dates of Bloom Alfalfa (N)…