What type of behavior should a beekeeper watch for to indicate colony stress during inspections?

Increased aggression when approaching the hive is a significant indicator of colony stress. When bees exhibit heightened defensive behavior, it typically suggests that they perceive a threat to their colony, which can stem from various stressors, such as poor hygiene, disease, inadequate food supply, or environmental changes like extreme temperatures.

Aggression can manifest as more bees flying out to investigate or sting when the hive is disturbed, signaling that the colony is on high alert. A healthy and content colony usually shows more cooperative and less aggressive behavior, indicating that they feel secure in their environment.

The other options reflect positive signs of colony health and stability, such as bees working together on brood, showing a sense of calm in the hive, and attentive workers caring for the queen. These behaviors signify that the colony is functioning well, with strong social cohesion and proper care of the brood and queen, rather than experiencing stress.