What is the primary purpose of a queen bee in a honey bee colony?

The primary purpose of a queen bee in a honey bee colony is to lay eggs and ensure the reproduction of the colony. The queen is the sole female in the hive whose main role is to produce offspring, ensuring the continuity and growth of the colony. She can lay thousands of eggs in a single day, which is vital for maintaining a healthy population of worker bees and drones that perform various essential functions within the hive, such as foraging, caring for brood, and defending the nest.

While other roles in the colony are crucial—gathering nectar and pollen, maintaining hive temperature, and protecting the hive—the queen's reproductive function is fundamental to the hive's survival and longevity. Without a healthy and productive queen, the colony cannot thrive, making her reproductive capabilities central to the hive's ecology.