What is the typical lifespan of a worker bee during the summer?

The typical lifespan of a worker bee during the summer is about 6 weeks. This relatively short lifespan is primarily due to the demanding nature of their roles within the hive. During the summer months, worker bees are actively engaged in foraging for nectar and pollen, hive maintenance, brood care, and protecting the colony from potential threats. This intense workload leads to increased wear and tear on their bodies, resulting in a shorter lifespan compared to worker bees in the winter who have less demanding roles and can live up to several months.

The environment also plays a role, as summer bees are exposed to higher activity levels, predators, and variabilities in weather and food sources. Therefore, the 6-week duration reflects not only the physiological stresses they endure but also their crucial contributions to the hive's survival and productivity during peak foraging periods.