How do bee colonies typically survive winter?

Study for the Texas Master Beekeeper Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Bee colonies survive winter primarily by clustering together and consuming the honey they stored during the warmer months. As temperatures drop, bees form a tight cluster in the hive to maintain warmth. They generate heat by vibrating their muscles while consuming the stored honey, which serves as their food source during periods when foraging is not possible. This behavior helps the colony to conserve heat and energy, ensuring that they can stay active and survive until spring arrives and foraging can resume.

While some insects may migrate or enter a state of dormancy, bees have adapted to their environment in a way that relies on their social structure and food stores. The clustering behavior not only helps with thermoregulation but also plays a role in maintaining the hive's overall health and behavior throughout the winter months.

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