In a message dated 1/24/00 11:41:18 AM EST, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Why do bees consume more honey when it warms up , instead of in very cold
weather?  I live in Missouri and this has been a very mild winter.  It seems
the bees are using up their stores of honey faster.  I would appreciate any
replies. >>

1.  They are flying more. Honey powers their wing muscles. They don't find
much nectar at this time of year, but there may be some pollens available.
2.  They are raising more brood.  Honey consumption here in SC in not
appreciable until the bees begin rearing brood. There was not much of an
interruption in brood rearing this year, so bees will need more feed.  This
past week, we have finally gotten some real cold, and I hope this will slow
down brood rearing for a bit. But maples are all set to pop open when the
next warm spell comes by.

Dave Green
The Pollination Home Page
http://pollinator.com