What role do nurse bees play within a colony?

Nurse bees have a crucial role within a honey bee colony, primarily focused on caring for the queen and the developing larvae. This responsibility involves feeding the larvae with royal jelly, pollen, and honey, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients to develop into healthy adult bees. Additionally, nurse bees are responsible for cleaning the brood cells and regulating the temperature of the brood nest, which is vital for the larval development.

This role is essential for the overall health and productivity of the colony, as it ensures the next generation of bees is well-nurtured. Other activities, such as foraging for pollen and nectar, building the hive structure, or guarding the hive entrance, are performed by different cohorts of bees, typically older workers or specialized foragers. Thus, the role of nurse bees is distinct and critical for maintaining the colony’s lifecycle.