What role do forager bees typically hold in the hive?

Forager bees are primarily responsible for collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, which are essential food sources for the colony. This role is vital because nectar is converted into honey, a key energy source for the bees, especially during periods when food is scarce. Pollen provides proteins and other nutrients necessary for brood development, ensuring that the colony can grow and maintain its population.

Foraging involves navigating to various plants, which allows these bees to gather resources efficiently. Foragers also communicate the location of good foraging sites to their fellow bees through a behavior known as the waggle dance, which further enhances the hive's ability to gather food.

The other roles mentioned, such as caring for larvae or feeding the queen, are typically carried out by nurse bees or worker bees that remain within the hive rather than venturing outside. Defending the hive from intruders is often the responsibility of guard bees, who protect the entrance and monitor for threats. Therefore, the distinct and critical function of forager bees in collecting food resources distinguishes them from these other roles within the hive.