Bees primarily sustain themselves on nectar and pollen collected from flowering plants. Nectar provides carbohydrates for energy, while pollen delivers proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals for growth and development. This floral diet supports bee colony health.
Natural Food Alternatives Beyond Flowers
When floral resources become scarce, bees can turn to other natural sources to supplement their diet. One such alternative is honeydew, a sugary excretion produced by sap-feeding insects. Bees collect honeydew, processing it similarly to nectar, and it serves as a significant carbohydrate source, particularly during periods of low nectar availability. However, honeydew is generally less nutritionally complete than floral nectar and can sometimes contain high levels of indigestible ash, which may lead to digestive issues for bees, especially during winter.
Bees may also gather tree sap that naturally oozes from certain tree species. While they do not typically consume raw sap as a primary food, they collect resins from trees to produce propolis, a sticky substance used for hive construction and defense. Sugary sap can become a valuable energy source, particularly in early spring when other food options are limited.
Another alternative includes the juices of overripe or damaged fruits. Bees are known to feed on the exposed pulp of fruits. They typically cannot puncture the intact skin of fresh fruit but will readily exploit existing damage caused by other animals or natural splitting. While these fruit juices provide sugars, they are not ideal long-term food sources as they can ferment quickly and potentially cause digestive problems for bees.
Bees’ Internal Food Storage
Bees prepare for periods of food scarcity by storing provisions within their hives, primarily in the form of honey and bee bread. Honey serves as the colony’s main carbohydrate reserve, providing the energy required for metabolic processes, flight, and maintaining hive temperature, especially during colder months. Foraging bees collect nectar, which undergoes a transformation process involving enzyme additions and water reduction within the hive, converting it into honey for long-term storage.
Bee bread is the stored form of pollen, which is vital for providing the colony with proteins, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Nurse bees consume bee bread to produce royal jelly and other secretions necessary for feeding the queen and developing larvae. Pollen collected by foragers is mixed with nectar and bee secretions, then packed into comb cells where it ferments, enhancing its nutritional value and preservation. These internal stores are important for colony survival during winter or prolonged periods when external food sources are unavailable.
Human-Provided Food Sources
Beekeepers often provide supplemental food sources to support bee colonies during times of natural food scarcity. Sugar syrup is a common carbohydrate supplement, serving as a substitute for nectar. It is typically a solution of sugar and water, with varying concentrations depending on the colony’s needs, whether for immediate energy or for winter stores.
Pollen patties or pollen substitutes are given to provide essential proteins, lipids, and micronutrients that bees would normally obtain from natural pollen. These patties are formulated to mimic the nutritional profile of pollen and are particularly beneficial when natural pollen sources are scarce. Providing these supplements helps ensure the colony has adequate nutrition for brood rearing, adult bee health, and overall colony resilience, especially when natural foraging is limited.
Consequences of Food Scarcity for Bees
Insufficient food availability can have serious implications for bee colonies, impacting their health and survival. When bees experience prolonged food scarcity, their immune systems can weaken, making them more susceptible to diseases and parasites. This nutritional stress can compromise their ability to fight off pathogens and recover from infections.
Food shortages also hinder colony growth and reduce honey production. A lack of protein from pollen, in particular, can impair larval development, leading to a decline in the bee population. In severe cases, food scarcity can result in colony collapse or starvation, leading to the loss of entire bee populations. Understanding bee nutrition is important for maintaining healthy colonies and ensuring their continued role in ecosystems.