Hi all

A friend of mine explains the difference between long and short lived bees somewhat differently. He proposes that any bee has the potential to be long lived, but as the hive becomes populous, large numbers are crowded out the brood area. These bees are no longer under the influence of the queen and brood pheromones and begin the transition to forager. These bees die pretty quickly. 

The winter bees are those raised in late summer and are not forced out of the brood nest by the pressure of newborn bees, they do not transition to foraging, and hence they remain long lived bees. Once brood rearing picks up again in spring, the older bees are pushed out the brood area, they transition to the short lifespan mode, and soon die. 

Some bees in the colony can remain long lived by staying in the brood nest, so there may be a percentage of potentially long lifespan bees present at all times. Obviously, when there is a major honey flow, large numbers of bees are recruited to foraging and they die in a week or two. 

Having a reserve of long lifespan bees means they would be available if the colony swarms, absconds, or if incoming resources stop. The short-lived bees would soon die off, leaving only long lifespan bees to ride out the hardship period, even up to six months or more.

PLB

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