Bees play a crucial role in our ecosystem. They pollinate plants, contribute to biodiversity, and support food production. But how long does a bee actually live? The answer depends on the species and its role in the hive or in the wild.
Lifespan of honeybees
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) live in highly organized colonies consisting of a queen, worker bees, and drones. Their lifespan varies depending on their function and the season:
- Queen: The queen is the only fertile female in the hive and can live for two to five years. She lays up to 2,000 eggs per day, ensuring the survival of the colony.
- Worker bees: These female bees perform various tasks, such as caring for the brood, building honeycombs, and foraging for food. Their lifespan depends on the season:
- Summer bees live only four to six weeks because their intense foraging flights quickly wear them out.
- Winter bees, however, can survive for up to six months, as they focus on keeping the hive warm and sustaining the colony through the winter.
- Drones: Male bees have a short lifespan of four to eight weeks. Their sole purpose is to mate with a queen. After mating, they die, and unmated drones are expelled from the hive in autumn.
Lifespan of wild bees
Wild bees differ significantly from honeybees in their way of life and lifespan. There are over 560 species of wild bees in Germany alone, many of which are solitary.
- Solitary bees: Most wild bees, such as mason bees or mining bees, live alone. Adult bees generally live only two to six weeks, just long enough to build nests and lay eggs.
- Bumblebees (Bombus spp.): Bumblebees are also wild bees but live in small colonies. A bumblebee queen can live for up to a year, while worker bees usually survive for only four to six weeks.
Why do bees live for different lengths of time?
The lifespan of a bee depends on several factors:
- Season: Winter bees live longer because they are less active.
- Role in the colony: Queens live longer than worker bees or drones.
- Environmental factors: Pesticides, diseases, and lack of food can shorten a bee’s lifespan.
How can you help bees?
Bees are threatened by habitat loss and pesticide use. Everyone can take action to support them:
- Plant nectar-rich flowers: Native plants, herbs, and shrubs provide essential food sources.
- Create nesting sites: Bee hotels and undisturbed soil areas help solitary bees find shelter.
- Avoid pesticides: Chemical sprays harm bees and other pollinators.
- Provide water sources: Shallow dishes with water and small stones help bees drink safely.
The lifespan of a bee varies depending on its species, season, and role. While honeybee queens can live for several years, worker bees and wild bees often survive only a few weeks. By planting flowers and creating bee-friendly gardens, everyone can contribute to protecting these vital pollinators.