Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is a significant threat to honeybee populations worldwide. It causes severe deformities in the wings of infected honey bees, and ultimately leads to their death. This highly contagious virus is primarily transmitted by the parasitic Varroa destructor mite. The varroa mite infests honeybee colonies and feeds on bee hemolymph. In healthy,…
Bee worker pheromones play a critical role in hive organization and productivity. Worker bees rely heavily on pheromones to communicate and coordinate their hive’s activities. These chemical signals act as a cohesive force, enabling bees to divide and execute tasks efficiently. The hive’s social organization is highly intricate, with each bee assuming a specific role…
Queen Pheromones The honey bee queen’s important role in regulating colony functions is achieved through primer pheromones. These pheromones, collectively known as the “queen signal,” are produced by various glands and induce physiological and behavioral changes in worker bees. The queen signal maintains the social hierarchy, upholds the queen’s reproductive dominance, and ensures the colony’s…
Have you ever wondered how a queen bee manages to organize her colony? The answer is queen pheromones, the most advanced form of communication in social insects. Pheromones are chemical substances bees secrete from their exocrine glands. When released into the environment they change the behavior and physiology of fellow bees. They play a crucial…
Do all Bees have Stingers? In most bee species like honey bees only the female bees, i.e. workers and queens have a bee stinger. Drones or male bees do not possess stingers. The bee stinger is mainly used to defend the hive and themselves. However, there are species of stingless bees like the Melipona bees,…
The Science Behind Bee Wings: How They Work and What They Do Bee wings are a marvel of nature, allowing these tiny insects to fly and perform essential tasks like pollination. But there is more to these delicate appendages than meets the eye. In this guide, we’ll explore the anatomy and function of bee wings,…
What is Melipona Honey? Melipona honey is produced exclusively by a species of stingless bees (Melipona beecheii). These bees are native to Central and South America. They gather nectar from specific plants, resulting in honey with a distinct taste, color, and nutritional profile. It is generally darker in color than traditional honey and has an…
Are you a first-time beekeeper ready to learn the basics? This basic beginners’ guide has everything you need to know about raising honey bees – from hive setup to harvesting your own delicious honey! Honey bees are remarkable insects that produce delicious honey and help to pollinate many different crops each year. If you want…
Bumble bees tongues (proboscis) fall into 2, sometimes 3 different categories depending on their length. As the name implies, long-tongued bees have a much longer proboscis than short-tongued bees. According to research, this is significant. Not only does it determine the manner in which bees feed and what they feed. It also has an environmental…
Welcome to the sweet world of honey! For centuries, honey has been revered for its many benefits and uses. From nourishing our bodies with a unique blend of micronutrients, to aiding in topical treatments that soothe skin irritations, there is no denying the power of this golden nectar. Whether you’re just starting to explore…