The beehive is a complex dwelling constructed by honeybees to serve as a secure environment for reproduction and the storage of food resources. This highly structured home is built for maximum efficiency and defense, supporting a vast colony. Understanding the appearance of the hive, both the exterior and the intricate internal architecture, reveals the sophisticated organization of the honeybee society.
External Appearance and Location
The appearance of a beehive depends on whether it is a natural nest or a managed structure. A natural hive is typically found in a protected cavity, such as a hollow tree, rock crevice, or wall void. These nests are irregular in shape, conforming to the dimensions of the void they occupy. The entrance is often small, and the bees coat the inner cavity walls with a thin layer of propolis, a hardened plant resin, for sanitation and sealing.
In contrast, a managed hive, most commonly the Langstroth design, presents a uniform, man-made exterior. This vertical, modular structure consists of stacked rectangular wooden boxes. The lowest box, or brood box, is the colony’s main living area, while the boxes stacked above it, called supers, are designated for honey storage.
The entire structure rests on a hive stand or bottom board, which includes the main entrance. An inner cover separates the top box from the outer cover, which is often a telescoping lid covered in metal to protect the hive from the elements. This standardized system allows beekeepers to easily access and manage the internal frames without destroying the comb.
The Internal Honeycomb Structure
Inside both natural and managed hives, the architecture revolves around the honeycomb, a series of parallel combs built with precision. The comb is constructed from beeswax, a material secreted by worker bees. The basic building block is the hexagonal cell, a shape that provides maximum strength and storage volume while using minimum wax.
Combs hang vertically. The space between parallel combs, known as “bee space,” is maintained at approximately 6.4 to 9.5 millimeters to ensure clear passageways. This uniformity is a fundamental feature of the nest architecture. In a natural setting, the comb is attached directly to the cavity walls, but in a Langstroth hive, the comb is built within removable wooden frames.
The frames hold the comb vertically, allowing for easy inspection and manipulation by a beekeeper. Bees also use propolis to seal unwanted gaps and strengthen the comb structure. This sticky substance contributes to the stability and hygiene of the internal environment.
Distinguishing the Contents of the Cells
The hexagonal cells are used to store food or house developing bees, and the contents are distinguished by their capping and location. The center of the hive, known as the brood nest, contains the developing young (brood), which includes eggs, larvae, and pupae. Cells containing pupae are sealed with a darker, porous, and slightly domed wax cap, which allows the developing bee to breathe.
The larvae appear as small, white, grub-like forms within uncapped cells. Surrounding the brood nest is a band of cells used for storing pollen, which the bees mix with nectar and enzymes to create bee bread. Pollen cells are uncapped and display vibrant, packed colors like yellow, orange, or red, varying depending on the floral source.
Honey is stored in the upper and outer regions of the comb, acting as an insulating layer. Uncapped nectar appears as a shiny, translucent liquid filling the cells. Finished honey is capped with a clean, smooth layer of white or light-colored wax. This honey capping is non-porous and appears distinct from the raised, rough capping used for brood.