What nectar source is primarily used by bees to produce honey?

The primary nectar source used by bees to produce honey is floral nectar. Bees specifically seek out flowers for their nectar, which is a sugary liquid secreted by plants to attract pollinators. This nectar is collected by bees and transported back to the hive, where it is processed into honey through evaporation and enzymatic action. The sugar concentration in floral nectar is ideal for bees, providing the necessary energy for their activities and serving as a nutritious food source for the colony.

While other options, such as tree sap or leaf exudates, can be collected by some bee species, they are not the primary or most common source for honey production. Fruit juices do not provide the necessary nutrients or sugar content that floral nectar does for honey. Thus, floral nectar remains the clear and primary choice for bees in their honey-making process.