What is the primary function of the queen bee in a colony?

The primary function of the queen bee in a colony is to produce eggs. She is the sole fertile female in the hive and is responsible for laying thousands of eggs daily during the peak season, which ensures the continuity and growth of the colony. The queen also plays a crucial role in maintaining the colony's population by determining the future number of worker bees and drones. Her ability to produce pheromones also serves to regulate the behaviors and roles of other bees within the hive, helping to maintain social order and cohesion among the colony members.

While foraging for nectar is an essential task for worker bees, and defending the hive and building honeycomb are also critical functions carried out by workers, these tasks are not the primary responsibility of the queen. The division of labor in the hive allows the queen to focus solely on reproduction, which is vital for the health and sustainability of the colony.