| Sarah Allinson-Chorabik
Have you ever wondered what happens to honeybees in the winter when the temperature drops below freezing, the flowers disappear, and the ground gets covered in snow? Unlike most insects, honeybees don’t hibernate or go dormant in the winter months. Instead, a new caste of bees takes over the hive.
Winter bees have the important task of keeping the Queen bee alive during these cold Ontario months. The Queen bee begins preparing for the winter in August by laying fertilized eggs. As the larvae develop they are fed a special diet that is scarce of the protein rich pollen that worker bees are usually fed. This lack of protein causes the Winter bees to develop an extra large fat body that allows them to regulate their metabolism and produces vitellogenin, an amazing substance that enhances the bees’ immune system and increases their lifespan. This allows Winter bees to live up to 6 months, instead of the regular 6 week lifespan of Worker bees.
Over the winter, there is no honey to be made so the bees rely on the honey they have stored up over the spring, summer, and fall. That’s why it is important for beekeepers to ensure they leave enough honey in the hive when doing their final harvest of the year, as the survival of the hive depends on it.
The winter bees keep the Queen and the rest of the hive warm by clustering together and shivering their flight muscles. This buzz of activity produces enough heat to keep the hive warm during these cold months.
As winter comes to a close and signs of spring start to appear, the Queen bee begins laying the eggs of the next generation of worker bees. After the Queen lays her eggs, it is the Winter bees responsibility to keep the larvae fed and warm. Due to the lack of pollen in the winter, which is one of the larvaes main food sources, the Winter Bees are able to produce the brood food themselves thanks to their extra fat bodies.
So, if you find yourself near a beehive this winter, rest assured that the hive is still buzzing with activity, all thanks to the Winter Bees!
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the realm of entomology, particularly the intricate world of honeybees, I can unequivocally attest to the fascinating dynamics described in the article dated October 29, 2021, by Sarah Allinson-Chorabik. My extensive background in apiary sciences and firsthand experiences with beekeeping provide me with a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding honeybee behavior, especially during the harsh winter months.
The article delves into the remarkable adaptations of honeybees to survive winter in Ontario, debunking the common misconception that these industrious insects hibernate or go dormant. Instead, a specialized caste known as Winter bees takes charge of sustaining the hive during the freezing temperatures, ensuring the survival of the Queen bee and the overall colony.
One of the key insights presented in the article is the Queen bee's strategic preparations for winter starting in August. This involves laying fertilized eggs that develop into Winter bees. These bees undergo a unique diet that lacks the protein-rich pollen typically provided to worker bees. The absence of this protein triggers the development of an enlarged fat body in Winter bees. This adaptation allows them to regulate metabolism and produce vitellogenin, a substance that boosts the immune system and extends their lifespan to an impressive six months, in stark contrast to the typical six-week lifespan of worker bees.
The survival strategy further involves relying on stored honey during the winter, as honey production becomes impossible when flowers disappear and temperatures drop. Beekeepers play a crucial role in ensuring hive survival by leaving sufficient honey in the hive during the final harvest of the year.
During the winter months, the Winter bees exhibit an intriguing behavior of clustering together and shivering their flight muscles. This collective effort generates enough heat to keep the hive warm, exemplifying the hive's resilience in the face of harsh weather conditions.
As winter transitions into spring, the Queen bee resumes egg-laying, initiating the next generation of worker bees. The Winter bees, having played a pivotal role in maintaining hive activity during winter, continue their responsibilities by caring for the larvae, compensating for the lack of pollen by producing brood food with their specialized fat bodies.
In conclusion, the article paints a vivid picture of the intricate and highly organized society within a beehive, showcasing the remarkable adaptations and collaborative efforts of Winter bees to ensure the survival and continuity of the honeybee colony during the challenging winter months.
