Life cycle of the honeybee
Our wonderful bees play a crucial role in their immediate ecosystem as pollinators, supporting the growth of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Understanding the life cycle of these incredible insects sheds light on the complexity and significance of their existence.
Egg Stage
The life cycle of a honeybee begins with the queen bee laying eggs. She can lay up to 2,000 eggs in a single day and she is the only be in the hive that is capable of laying other female bees. The queens eggs are housed in hexagonal cells within the hive and take around three days to hatch.
Larva Stage
After the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge which look like little white grubs. During this stage, worker bees (other females) feed the larvae a mixture of pollen and honey known as "bee bread." The larvae grow rapidly, shedding their skin as they develop.
Pupa Stage
The fuzzy lighter coloured cells are the “capped brood” where the pupa are in a stage of metamorphosis
Following the larva stage, the bees enter the pupa stage. The bees' bodies undergo significant changes during this phase, and they are capped in their cells by worker bees. Inside the cocoon, the bee undergoes metamorphosis, developing eyes, wings and legs.
Adult Stage
Finally, after around 21 days from egg to adult bee, the fully developed bee emerges from its cell. Depending on the sex of the bee and its role within the hive, it will embark on various tasks. Worker bees will begin foraging for nectar and pollen, tending to the queen, and caring for the brood, while the queen focuses on laying eggs to ensure the hive's survival.
A frame of mostly pollen, ready to be baby bee food
The life cycle of the honeybee is a remarkable process that highlights the intricate nature of these essential insects. From egg to adult, each stage plays a vital role in the sustainability of the hive and the crucial pollination work they provide to our environment. Next time you see a honeybee buzzing around a flower, take a moment to appreciate the incredible journey it has undergone to fulfill its role in nature's delicate balance.