How can you identify a queen bee versus a worker bee?

Identifying a queen bee versus a worker bee is primarily based on their physical characteristics. The queen bee is significantly larger than the worker bees, and one of the most distinct aspects is her elongated abdomen. This unique morphology allows the queen to lay a large number of eggs, which is her primary function within the hive.

In contrast, worker bees, which are smaller and more agile, have a shorter and more robust body structure designed for foraging, nursing, and other duties within the colony. Their size and shape differences are crucial for colony roles, making this visual identification method quite effective.

While other aspects such as wings, behavior, and sound may provide additional clues in distinguishing between the two, the most straightforward and definitive method is through the size and shape of the queen’s abdomen compared to the worker bees. Understanding these physical attributes is essential for beekeepers, especially when managing hives and assessing colony health.