How Honey Bees Collect Pollen: A Day in the Life of a Busy Bee
Pollen plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of honey bees. As their primary source of protein, pollen is rich in essential amino acids, fatty substances, minerals, and vitamins. These nutrients are critical for the proper development of both larvae and adult bees. Research has even shown that a diverse range of pollen sources within the hive is linked to better overall colony health, making pollen collection an essential part of honey bee life.
How Honey Bees Collect and Transport Pollen
Honey bees have evolved two unique characteristics that make them highly efficient at collecting and transporting pollen.
First, they are covered in plumose hairs, which are branched, feather-like hairs that trap pollen. When a bee visits a flower, she brushes against the anthers (the part of the flower that produces pollen), and the pollen grains stick to her furry body. After gathering pollen, the bee grooms herself, using her legs to brush the pollen off her body and mixing it with a bit of saliva to form a large pollen ball.
Second, honey bees have specialized structures on their hind legs called pollen baskets (or corbiculae). These baskets allow the bee to carry large amounts of pollen back to the hive—amazingly, a honey bee can carry up to half of her body weight in pollen!
A forger bee with orange pollen pants.
The Pollen Processing Inside the Hive
Once the pollen forager returns to the hive, she deposits her pollen into a cell. From there, house bees take over, ramming their heads against the pollen pellets to pack them tightly into the cell. As more pollen is collected, the house bees moisten it with nectar and saliva, which contain special enzymes and bacteria. This process acidifies the pollen, preventing the growth of yeasts, fungi, and molds, making it safe for long-term storage.
When the cell is about three-quarters full, the bees place a thin layer of honey over the top to preserve the pollen, allowing it to be stored for many months. This stored pollen, known as bee bread, is a vital food source for the colony, especially during times when fresh pollen is scarce.
Different types of pollens stored inside of the colony.
Next Time You’re Outside, Watch the Bees at Work
If you’re out in your garden or enjoying time in nature, take a moment to observe the bees collecting pollen. You may be surprised by the size of the pollen baskets they carry—often brightly colored and packed full of pollen. These little bees are performing a vital task that keeps the hive thriving and healthy!
Pollen is truly the foundation of honey bee health, and the complex process of gathering, transporting, and preserving it showcases the incredible teamwork and efficiency of honey bees. So, next time you see a bee buzzing around flowers, remember how essential that pollen is to the survival of the hive.