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From: jm67@prism.gatech.EDU (MURRAY,JEFFREY P)
Newsgroups: sci.bio
Subject: Re: Bees on vacation
Message-ID: <13614@hydra.gatech.EDU>
Date: 13 Sep 90 12:05:55 GMT
References: <1075.26E7DC9A@ofa123.fidonet.org> <4300@trantor.harris-atd.com> <1990Sep12.194100.13795@cbnewsi.att.com>
Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology
Lines: 41



   During the colder months bees typically cluster in the hive as
an almost homogeneous blob. They vibrate their bodies to generate
heat (the greatest temperature is achieved at the center of the
hive, where the queen remains). During the winter months the bees
live off of the honey stores put up earlier in the year (this is
one reason why beekeepers never remove all of the honey from a 
hive).

   Apparently, the blob of bees is in almost continual motion, not
only due to the vibration, but also to a rotation of the workers
so that very few of the individual sisters are exposed to the cold
for a great length of time. Note also that the temperature maintained
at the center of the hive during winter months is also the same 
as that maintained during warm weather...I forget the exact figure, but 
it is quite warm (greater than human body temperature, I am fairly 
certain). In very hot weather the bees cluster at the entrance to the
hive and fan their wings to increase the evaporative cooling effect
normally exploited to turn nectar into honey.

   During warm snaps in winter months, the bees may break up somewhat
and go out foraging, but only if the center hive frequency can be
maintained. Why is the temperature so important? I recall that it
has to do with the fertility levels of the queen, and the well-being
of the new brood...remember, the hive is a colony organism. The loss
of some workers on the periphery of the heating blob is inconsequential
whereas the loss of even a small percentage of the queen's level of 
fertility (ie. the viability of her previously fertilized eggs) could
be catastrophic.

   Sorry to have blabbed on so long, but bees have always fascinated
me...hope this helps.

.
 
-- 
MURRAY,JEFFREY P
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta Georgia, 30332
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