What is one main role of honey bee workers?

Honey bee workers play several critical roles within the hive, and one of their primary responsibilities is to collect nectar and pollen. This foraging activity is essential for the sustenance of the colony. Nectar collected from flowers is converted into honey, which serves as a vital food source for bees, especially during winter months when foraging is not possible. Pollen, on the other hand, is used as a protein source for developing brood and maintaining the health of the colony.

While defending the hive, reproducing, and producing wax are important tasks that other members of the colony are involved in, the primary role of worker bees revolves around foraging. They possess specialized structures, like their long proboscis, which allow them to efficiently extract nectar from flowers. The social structure of the hive allows for the division of labor, with workers dividing their time among various tasks based on their age and the needs of the colony, but their role in collecting food resources is foundational to the colony’s survival and productivity.