Which type of bee is haploid in the context of bee reproduction?

In the context of bee reproduction, drones are the haploid type of bees. This means that drones develop from unfertilized eggs and have only one set of chromosomes. In honey bee colonies, the queen lays fertilized eggs, which develop into female worker bees and queens, both of which are diploid, having two sets of chromosomes. Drones, on the other hand, are essential for mating with queens and contribute to genetic diversity in the hive.

The unique reproductive role of drones is crucial for the colony's health, as they provide necessary genetic variation when reproducing with a queen, who has mated with multiple drones during her mating flights. The understanding of haploid and diploid bees is fundamental for comprehending the genetic structure and functioning of honey bee societies, making the distinction clear between these roles within the hive.