Which characteristic differentiates the queen bee from worker bees?

The differentiation of the queen bee from worker bees primarily lies in the length of the abdomen. The queen bee has a significantly longer and more extended abdomen compared to worker bees. This anatomy enables her to fulfill her primary role of reproduction; she must be capable of laying a substantial number of eggs to ensure the hive's survival and growth.

In contrast, worker bees have a shorter abdomen, which is more suited for their various roles within the hive, such as foraging, nursing, and performing other functions necessary for maintaining the colony. The longer abdomen of the queen also allows for the storage of sperm and the capacity to lay eggs, which is essential to the hive's lifecycle.

The other characteristics mentioned, such as the presence of wings, the ability to forage, and body coloration, do not serve as clear differentiators. While queen bees do possess wings, they are not typically used for foraging, as worker bees do. Body coloration can vary among both queens and workers and is not a fixed characteristic for differentiation.