What can lead to increased aggression in bees?

Increased aggression in bees is often linked to the disturbance of the hive or threats to the queen. When the hive is disturbed, such as during inspections or if there are intruders nearby, bees perceive the disturbance as a threat. They may become more defensive, especially if they feel that their queen, the central figure of their colony, is in danger. The queen is crucial for the functioning and cohesion of the hive, and her safety is paramount to the worker bees. If they perceive any disruption to her well-being, they will exhibit heightened aggression to protect her and the colony.

The other choices, while they may impact bee behavior and overall health, do not have the same immediate and direct effect on aggression as the disturbance of the hive or threats to the queen. For instance, a lack of food resources can lead to stress and may cause bees to become irritable, but it does not directly correlate with increased aggression. Similarly, excessive heat can create a stressful environment leading to various behavioral changes, yet it is not a primary trigger for aggression compared to threats to the queen. Low honey production is more indicative of the hive’s health and productivity, rather than a direct cause for bees to act defensively.