What behavior do bees exhibit to prepare for winter?

Bees exhibit clustering and reducing foraging as they prepare for winter to ensure their survival in cold temperatures. As the weather cools, the availability of flowers decreases, leading to less foraging activity. The hive's primary focus shifts towards conserving resources and maintaining warmth. During this time, bees cluster together in a tight formation around their queen to generate heat through muscle movement. This clustering behavior helps them maintain a stable internal temperature within the hive, essential for over-wintering.

As the colony prepares for winter, they also consume stored honey to sustain energy during the cold months when foraging is not possible. This behavior is a survival strategy, as it helps maximize their chances of enduring through winter and thriving once spring arrives. Unlike increased foraging, building more honeycomb, or swarming, clustering is a critical behavior that reflects their adaptation to the seasonal changes in their environment.