Why do bees have queens? 2 biologists explain this insect’s social structure – and why some bees don’t have a queen at all

A queen’s main job in the hive is to lay eggs and pass genes on to offspring. But many bee species do just fine without queens or big colonies.

Aviva Liebert, Professor of Biology, Framingham State University • conversation
March 4, 2024 • ~7 min

How do you vaccinate a honeybee? 6 questions answered about a new tool for protecting pollinators

A vaccine for bees may evoke images of teeny hypodermic needles, but this product works in a sophisticated way that reflects the social structure of honeybee colonies.

Jennie L. Durant, Research Affiliate in Human Ecology, University of California, Davis • conversation
Jan. 20, 2023 • ~7 min

Some bees are born curious while others are more single-minded – new research hints at how the hive picks which flowers to feast on

New research suggests individual bees are born with one of two learning styles – either curious or focused. Their genetic tendency has implications for how the hive works together.

Chelsea Cook, Assistant Professor in Biology, Marquette University • conversation
Oct. 5, 2020 • ~7 min

Spring signals female bees to lay the next generation of pollinators

One bee may lay thousands of offspring in late spring. Give her room to build a nest and manage her reproductive duties.

Lila Westreich, Ph.D. Candidate, School of Environment and Forest Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
May 1, 2020 • ~7 min

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