Bees primarily eat two main substances collected from flowers: nectar and pollen.
- Nectar is a sugary liquid that provides bees with carbohydrates, which serve as their main energy source. Bees collect nectar using their proboscis and store it in a special stomach called the honey sac. Back at the hive, nectar is processed by enzymes and evaporated to produce honey, which bees eat for energy
- Pollen is a powdery substance containing proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for bee growth and development. Pollen is fermented with nectar and enzymes into "bee bread," which provides protein and nutrients, especially for larvae and young worker bees
- Royal jelly is a special secretion produced by worker bees from glands in their heads. It is fed to all larvae initially, but larvae destined to become queen bees consume royal jelly throughout their development. This nutrient-rich substance enables queen bees to grow larger and live longer
In summary, bees eat:
- Honey (from processed nectar) for carbohydrates and energy
- Bee bread (fermented pollen) for protein and nutrients
- Royal jelly (secreted by worker bees) for queen and larval development
This diet ensures bees get a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals necessary for their survival and colony health
