North Carolina Bee School Practice Exam

What does a worker bee typically do in the summer months?

1. Lay eggs

2. Collect nectar and pollen

3. Guard the hive

4. Forage for propolis

The correct answer is: Collect nectar and pollen

In the summer months, worker bees play a vital role in the survival and productivity of their colony. Collecting nectar and pollen is essential for several reasons. Nectar is converted into honey, which serves as a food source for the colony during the winter months, while pollen provides the necessary proteins for developing brood (larvae and pupae). Throughout the summer, worker bees are primarily focused on these activities to ensure the colony has enough resources. The collection of nectar and pollen is not only crucial for the bees themselves but also aids in plant pollination, supporting local ecosystems by fostering plant reproduction. Furthermore, worker bees are responsible for other tasks such as cleaning the hive, feeding the queen and brood, and maintaining hive temperature, but their most energy-intensive role in summer is definitely foraging for nectar and pollen. The other roles mentioned, like laying eggs, are carried out by the queen bee, and guarding the hive is typically a role for older worker bees. Additionally, foraging for propolis, while important, is not as primary as nectar and pollen collection during the peak activity months of summer for the entire colony's sustenance and growth.