>We're getting a bit afield from bees but the short answer is cultural, not
thermodynamic.
Are you sure about the latter, Mike? A black outer layer keeps solar energy
from penetrating more deeply into the under layers. A black outer layer
over insulation might be the best thermodynamically.
Compare the dark camel in the desert, and the white polar bear in the
arctic. The camel has a dark overcoat over an insulating fur. The bear's
white hair is designed to funnel solar energy to its dark skin.
Randy Oliver
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