RI.2- Main Idea

Shivering Bees

When temperatures drop into the ’50s, honeybees head for their hives, where they end up forming a “winter cluster.” A winter cluster is much like a football huddle - except it lasts all winter!

Worker bees surround the queen bee and form a cluster with their bodies. Then, they flutter their wings and shiver. This constant motion and use of energy are how the bees keep the inside temperature of the hive warm.

The worker bees must keep shivering, but the bees must have enough honey for energy to do this. One of the most important jobs of the beekeeper in the winter is to make sure the honey supply stays full so the bees can keep shivering.

The queen is always at the center of the cluster. Worker bees rotate from the outside to the inside of the group, so no individual worker bee gets too cold. The temperature can get up to 80 degrees at the center of the cluster. The colder the weather is outside, the more compact the cluster becomes. Bees have one main job in the winter - to keep the queen bee safe and warm.