Honey bee drones, the male bees within a colony, often prompt curiosity regarding their movements. Unlike their female counterparts, the worker bees, drones do not participate in foraging or hive maintenance. They do, however, regularly leave the hive, though their reasons for doing so are distinct and specialized.
The Drone’s Role Within the Hive
Drones are noticeably larger than worker bees, characterized by their stout bodies and exceptionally large eyes. They do not possess a stinger and are unable to gather nectar or pollen, or to produce wax. Inside the hive, their primary function involves consuming resources and maturing for their eventual reproductive purpose. Worker bees feed drones.
Drones also contribute to the hive’s internal environment. Their larger bodies generate heat, which can assist in maintaining optimal hive temperatures, particularly during colder periods or when brood is being reared. The presence of healthy drones within a colony is often an indication of the hive’s overall strength and stability.
Purpose of Flights Outside the Hive
Drones leave the hive exclusively for mating flights, an essential activity for the continuation of the honey bee species. These flights occur in specific locations known as drone congregation areas (DCAs), which are aerial mating sites. DCAs are typically found 10 to 40 meters (33 to 131 feet) above the ground and can span 30 to 200 meters (98 to 656 feet) in diameter.
Drones undertake these flights on warm, sunny afternoons, with peak activity generally occurring between 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. A minimum temperature of around 18°C (64°F) is necessary for drone flight, and strong winds, cloudy skies, or rain inhibit this activity. Drones are drawn to these areas by queen pheromones, and a group of drones pursuing a virgin queen is sometimes described as a “drone comet.”
Their sole reason for leaving the hive is to mate with a queen. Mating occurs mid-air. A drone that successfully mates dies shortly thereafter, as his reproductive organs detach during the process. Queens typically mate with multiple drones, often 15 to 20, to ensure the genetic diversity of their offspring.
The Drone’s Lifecycle and Seasonal Changes
The average lifespan of a honey bee drone is about eight weeks, though some may live up to 90 days. Drones that do not successfully mate will return to their hive, or occasionally drift into other nearby colonies. Their presence within the colony is tolerated throughout the active breeding season.
As late summer transitions into fall, and resources become less abundant, the colony’s worker bees initiate a process known as “drone expulsion.” This behavior helps conserve valuable honey stores during the leaner winter months. Worker bees cease feeding the drones, deny them access to honey, and may physically drag them out of the hive. This expulsion typically results in the drones starving or succumbing to the elements. The timing of this event can vary based on weather and resource availability. Some colonies, particularly those with queen issues, may retain drones longer.