Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!mcsun!hp4nl!ruuinf!accucx!aritoxm From: aritoxm@accucx.cc.ruu.nl (H.Verhaar.) Newsgroups: sci.bio Subject: Re: Bees on vacation Message-ID: <687@accucx.cc.ruu.nl> Date: 13 Sep 90 14:45:50 GMT References: <1075.26E7DC9A@ofa123.fidonet.org> <4300@trantor.harris-atd.com> <1990Sep12.194100.13795@cbnewsi.att.com> Reply-To: aritoxm@accucx.UUCP (H.Verhaar.) Organization: Academic Computer Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands Lines: 23 In article <1990Sep12.194100.13795@cbnewsi.att.com> stq@cbnewsi.att.com (scott.t.questad) writes: > >This is a legitimate question which was asked me by a school teacher who, >in turn, was asked by a (2nd grade) student: "Where do bees go in winter?" >i.e. do they hibernate? > >All flames gladly accepted only if accompanied by legitimate answer. OK this is a legitimate answer so wait for the flame. Common bees(?) that is, honey bees (Apis mellifera) colonies do hibernate in their nests, staying close together, shivering and eating stored honey (what do you think they collect nectar for all summer) to keep warm/alive. Most other social hymenoptera, like bumblebee or wasp colonies die out at the end of summer, with only the (new) queens to go into hibernation. OK I wont flame you. Henk Verhaar the local Cannondale boy (My daytime employer doesn't know a thing about bicycles and my bicycles don't know about my employer so no global disclaimers. Sorry though)