What is the primary purpose of drone bees?

The primary purpose of drone bees is to mate with a queen. Drones are male bees that do not have stingers and are larger than worker bees. Their main function within the colony is reproductive; they are developed specifically for mating purposes. During the mating season, drones will fly out to specific locations known as drone congregation areas to compete for the opportunity to mate with a virgin queen. Successful drones will provide their genetic material to the queen, which is vital for the genetic diversity and health of the hive.

In contrast, the other functions mentioned are typically performed by worker bees. Worker bees are responsible for gathering pollen and nectar, defending the hive, and producing honey. Drones do not participate in these activities, as their lifecycle and role are exclusively focused on reproduction to ensure the continuation of the colony's lineage.