Revealing What A Queen Bee Really Look Like

A queen bee is distinctly larger than worker bees and drones, with an elongated abdomen that extends well beyond her wingtips. This streamlined body aids in her primary role of egg-laying. She has a shiny, smooth back, unlike the fuzzier appearance of workers, and her wings cover only about two-thirds of her abdomen. The queen’s legs are also longer, which aids in her movement across the comb cells. Additionally, her color can vary slightly depending on the bee species, but she generally exhibits a uniform, often darker hue compared to workers and drones.

In the below paragraphs, we will take a more detailed look at this topic.

You have completed your first full season as a beekeeper. It is now spring, and you are looking to split one of your hives. But wait. You suddenly realize you don’t know how to find the queen. You don’t even know what the queen looks like. How are you going to find her in the midst of a very active hive?

Queens that come in starter kits are generally marked with a dab of paint. It might be red paint; it might be green. But relying on a dab of paint is not smart. Why? Because paint wears off. Moreover, the paint marking will only help you with your first queen. Every subsequent queen the hive produces will not be marked. So it’s better to learn to identify queen bees on their own merits.

How Can You Identify a Queen Bee Among Other Bees?

The first queen spotting obstacle you run into is the number of bees in your hive. A typical hive can contain between 20,000 and 60,000 bees. Larger hives can have 80,000 or more. You are trying to spot a single bee that looks different from all the rest. Not such a problem when you’re only looking at 40 or 50 insects. But 20,000 or more?

Having to find a queen in the midst of so many worker bees is challenging, to say the least. Therefore, it is best to learn all the clues that could point you to the one you want. The four most important clues are:

• Body shape
• Head appearance
• Hive location
• Bee behavior

What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Queen Bee?

Long-term beekeepers recommend that newbies resist the temptation to mark their queens. Marking becomes a crutch that can get beekeepers in trouble. It is best to learn to identify the four clues and what they mean. Nail them and queen spotting becomes second nature.

Body Shape

You would be forgiven for assuming that queen bees are larger than workers. Sometimes this is the case, but not always. Most queens are just slightly larger, but not large enough to be noticeable among thousands of other bees busy about their business. Having said that, careful observation reveals that a queen’s body shape is noticeably different.

The queen has a longer, narrower abdomen. Though the rest of her body is about the same size, her abdomen is different enough that it stands out. If you are ever unsure, picking up a genuine queen will also reveal longer legs.

Between the long and narrow abdomen and longer legs, the queen actually sticks out quite noticeably. The trick is identifying those two features in the middle of tens of thousands of others. With practice, you can get pretty good at it.

Head Appearance of the Queen Bee: A Detailed Examination

In this section, we will delve deeper into the details of the queen bee’s head appearance, focusing on color, hair, and reflectiveness.

Color of the Queen Bee’s Head

Like other members of the colony, the queen bee’s head is predominantly black in color. However, some subtle variations may be found depending on the subspecies or genetic traits of the particular colony. Nonetheless, when observing the bees in a hive, it is common to find that the queen’s head will be a similar shade of black to that of the worker bees and drones.

Baldness and Lack of Hair on the Queen’s Head

A significant difference between the queen bee and the other members of the colony is the absence of hair on her head. While worker bees and drones have varying degrees of hair coverage, the queen bee’s head is noticeably bald. This lack of hair contributes to her unique appearance and can be a helpful identifying feature when searching for the queen among her numerous subjects.

Shiny and Reflective Surface

Another distinctive aspect of the queen bee’s head is its shiny and somewhat reflective surface. This sheen is a result of the baldness we discussed earlier, as the lack of hair allows the queen’s exoskeleton to show through clearly. This shiny appearance not only sets her apart from her colony members but also serves as an additional visual cue to her presence when inspecting a hive.

Where in the Hive is the Queen Bee Located

Beekeepers understand the importance of locating the queen bee within a hive. The queen plays a crucial role in the health and productivity of the colony. The below paragraphs will discuss how to locate the queen bee by focusing on her habitat – the brood chamber.

Understanding the Brood Chamber

The brood chamber is the part of the hive where the queen bee lays her eggs and where the colony’s young develop. It is typically composed of several frames filled with brood comb, which contains eggs, larvae, and pupae in various stages of development. In a well-organized hive, the brood chamber is usually located in the lower boxes or the center frames of a single-box hive.

Signs to Look for When Locating the Queen

To locate the queen bee within the brood chamber, there are specific signs to look for:

1. Presence of Eggs: As the queen is responsible for laying eggs, search for frames with tiny, white, rice-shaped eggs at the bottom of the cells. This is a strong indication that the queen has been on this frame recently.
2. Young Larvae: If you find frames containing small, white, and curled larvae, it’s another indication that the queen is nearby, as she tends to lay eggs in a circular pattern.
3. Queen Cells: Keep an eye out for queen cells – these are special, peanut-shaped cells where new queens are raised. The presence of these cells might indicate that the queen is in the vicinity.
4. Worker Bee Behavior: Observe the behavior of worker bees. If they are moving in a calm and organized manner, it can signal the queen’s presence. In contrast, agitated or erratic behavior might indicate that the queen is missing or not nearby.

Bee Behavior

Your most important clue in tracking down the queen is bee behavior (which we touched upon above). Every bee in a hive has a job to do. Worker bees go out and forage. Nursery bees care for larvae and fill honeycombs with honey. The queen’s job is to reproduce. She has a single mind to do only that. As such, she is quite determined.

Spend some time observing the behavior and you will notice that the queen seems to move through the brood chamber with authority. She doesn’t linger. She knows exactly where she’s going and how she plans to get there. Meanwhile, worker and nursery bees get out of her way when she moves.

It is similar to a monarch entering a crowded room. Everyone parts and makes way for them as they walk through. If you can think of it in that context, observing bee behavior will make a lot of visual sense as you observe it.

When the queen bee is stationary, you should notice a large number of the worker bees surrounding her, with their heads pointed in her direction. Some veteran beekeepers describe the visual as being similar to a flower. The queen is at the center while worker bees form concentric petals surrounding her.

Tools and Techniques to Improve Queen Spotting

To enhance your queen-spotting abilities, consider employing these tools and techniques:

1. Marked Queens: Many beekeepers mark their queens with a small, colored dot on the thorax, following an international color-coding system based on the birth year. This makes it much easier to spot the queen during hive inspections.
2. Practice: Regular hive inspections are essential for improving your queen-spotting skills. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at recognizing the subtle differences between the queen and her subjects.
3. Visual Aids: Studying images and videos of queen bees can help you familiarize yourself with their appearance and behavior, making it easier to identify them during a hive inspection.
4. Mentorship: If possible, seek guidance from an experienced beekeeper who can share their expertise and offer advice on queen-spotting techniques.

Patience and Perseverance: The Key to Success

Remember, queen spotting is a skill that takes time to develop. With patience, practice, and a keen eye for detail, you’ll become proficient in identifying a queen bee among the bustling hive. Keep learning, observing, and refining your skills, and you’ll soon be able to spot a queen bee with ease.

What Does a Queen Bee Look Like – Conclusion

So what do queen bees look like? identifying a queen bee among tens of thousands of worker bees in a thriving hive may seem like a daunting task. However, by paying attention to the key clues – body shape, head appearance, hive location, and bee behavior – and practicing diligently, you’ll soon develop the skill to spot the queen with relative ease. By resisting the temptation to rely on paint markings, you’ll ensure that you can effectively locate and identify any queen, whether it’s the first or a subsequent one. Remember, the ability to spot a queen bee is an invaluable skill for every beekeeper and, with time and dedication, it will become second nature. So, dive into the world of bees and embrace the art of queen spotting, as it will undoubtedly enrich your beekeeping journey.

Beekeeping Disclaimer:

Beekeeping, like any agricultural activity, involves inherent risks. It is important to understand these risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Potential risks associated with beekeeping include:

1. Bee stings: Honey bees are generally not aggressive but can become defensive if they feel threatened or their hive is disturbed. Bee stings can cause allergic reactions or even anaphylaxis in some individuals, which can be life-threatening. It is important to wear protective clothing and follow best practices when handling bees to minimize the risk of stings.
2. Diseases and pests: Bees can be vulnerable to various diseases and pests, including mites, viruses, and bacterial infections. These can have significant impacts on bee colonies, leading to reduced honey production or even colony collapse. It is important to monitor hives regularly and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat diseases and pests.
3. Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as drought or cold temperatures, can affect the health and productivity of bee colonies. It is important to ensure that hives are appropriately sheltered and provided with adequate food and water.
4. Environmental hazards: Bees can be affected by environmental hazards such as pesticide exposure, pollution, and habitat loss. It is important to be aware of these hazards and take appropriate measures to protect bee colonies and promote healthy environments for bees.
5. Legal requirements: Beekeeping may be subject to local, state, or national regulations, such as registration or inspection requirements. It is important to be aware of these requirements and comply with them.

While beekeeping can be a rewarding and enjoyable activity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and take appropriate measures to mitigate them. By following best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in beekeeping, beekeepers can help ensure the health and productivity of their hives and contribute to the well-being of bee populations worldwide.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API