Queen Honey Bee

The queen honey bee is the largest bee in the hive, responsible for laying eggs that produce worker bees and new queens. She is vital for the colony’s survival and can live several years. The queen emits specific pheromones that help maintain colony cohesion and regulate behavior. She mates during a short period early in life with select male drones, storing sperm for future fertilizations. The queen's primary role is reproduction, ensuring the hive's growth and stability, while worker bees focus on foraging, hive maintenance, and caring for the young.