Most bee keepers know that honey bees maintain a hive cluster temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit by vibrating their wing muscles to create heat. However, new research shows that they use they use this same mechanism to create a division of labor within the hive.
According to the new finding from Wurzburg University in Germany, honey bee papa warmed to a constant temperature of 95 Fahrenheit become forager bees - the ones that leave the hive to search for nectar and pollen. Those reared at 93 degrees become the housekeeper bees that stay in the hive to take care of brood etc.
Apparently, the number of bees assigned to each role is no accident. The bees actively manage the ratio of foragers to housekeepers to match their needs. Pretty cool. Check out the full article.
Photo Source: Mail Online
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