What Are Bee Hives Made Of and How Do They Work?
What Are Bee Hives Made Of?
Bee hives are made of beeswax, a material produced by worker bees.
The hive consists of parallel beeswax sheets called combs, with most of the comb made up of six-sided (hexagonal) worker cells.
These cells have a three-part bottom pyramid shape.
The comb is suspended from the top of the nesting cavity, and bees adhere to a spacing principle called “bee space,” leaving approximately 1 cm or 3/8 of an inch between combs.
The brood, including the egg, larval, and pupal stages of bees, is reared in a compact, spherical-shaped section in the lower portion of the beeswax comb.
Honey is stored above and to the sides of the brood area, while pollen is stored in empty cells in the brood area and outside of it.
Key Points:
- Bee hives are made of beeswax, produced by worker bees
- Hives are made up of parallel beeswax sheets called combs
- Combs mainly consist of six-sided worker cells
- Cells have a three-part bottom pyramid shape
- Combs are suspended from the top of the nesting cavity with approximately 1 cm of space between them
- Brood (egg, larval, and pupal stages of bees) is reared in a spherical section of the comb, while honey and pollen are stored in other areas of the comb.
Did You Know?
1. Bee hives are predominantly made of beeswax, which is produced by the bees themselves. Worker bees secrete wax from their abdomens and form it into tiny flakes, which they chew and mix with saliva to make it pliable.
2. Apart from beeswax, bee hives also contain propolis, a glue-like substance that bees collect from tree buds and mix with beeswax. Bees use propolis to seal and reinforce the hive walls, helping to maintain a stable and secure structure.
3. Bee hives rely heavily on the clever design of hexagons. The bees construct hexagonal cells out of beeswax, which provide a balance between maximizing storage capacity and minimizing material usage, resulting in the most efficient use of space possible.
4. Bees are natural architects, and their hive construction follows specific temperature control principles. The thickness of the hive walls is precisely regulated by the bees to maintain a constant internal temperature, allowing them to create a warm environment in cold weather and improve cooling during hot periods.
5. Bee hives, along with being functional, display fantastic geometric precision. The angles of the honeycomb walls inside a bee hive consist of three sets: 109.5 degrees, 120 degrees, and 82.8 degrees, ensuring optimal distribution of weight, strength, and storage capacity within the hive.
Bee Hive Nesting Preferences
Bees have specific preferences when choosing a nesting site for their hives. They seek out tree cavities or other suitable openings that provide shelter, darkness, and elevation. These cavities should have smaller entrance holes, typically located at the bottom, and face southward for optimal sun exposure. To find potential homesites, scout bees are dispatched to measure the dimensions of various cavities. Once a suitable site is identified, the swarm moves in, using propolis, a sticky resin-like substance, to smooth the entrance and inner walls of the nest.
Nest Building Process
The remarkable process of nest building starts with the worker bees producing the necessary material, beeswax. They meticulously mold this wax into intricate hexagonal cells known as combs. These combs consist of worker cells, which have a unique three-part bottom pyramid shape, and are used for rearing worker bees and storing honey and pollen. Additionally, bees construct larger six-sided cells called drone cells, primarily used for raising drones and also for honey storage. The placement of the combs within the hive is crucial, as bees leave approximately 1 cm or 3/8 of an inch of space between combs, a principle known as “bee space.”
- Worker bees produce beeswax to build combs.
- Combs are hexagonal-shaped cells used for rearing worker bees, storing honey, and storing pollen.
- Drone cells are larger and used for raising drones and honey storage.
- The placement of combs in the hive follows the principle of “bee space,” leaving approximately 1 cm/3/8 of an inch of space between combs.
“The remarkable process of nest building starts with the worker bees producing the necessary material, beeswax.”
Structure And Function Of Bee Hives
A bee hive is a marvel of architectural efficiency and functionality. The Langstroth hive, a widely used man-made hive, is designed to mimic the natural features of a nest. It provides sheltered and darkened enclosures with small, defensible entrances.
The hive offers adequate volume for the growing swarm and features parallel beeswax combs, molded into hexagonal cells and separated by bee space. These combs are suspended from the top of the nesting cavity, with the lower portion dedicated to rearing the brood – the egg, larval, and pupal stages of bees.
The brood section has a compact, spherical shape, while honey is stored above and to the sides of this central area. Empty cells within and outside the brood area serve as storage for pollen.
- A Langstroth hive is a widely used man-made hive.
- The hive provides sheltered and darkened enclosures with small entrances.
- It offers adequate volume for the growing swarm.
- The combs are parallel and made of beeswax.
- The brood is reared in the lower portion of the hive.
- Honey is stored above and to the sides of the brood area.
- Empty cells are used for pollen storage.
“A bee hive is a marvel of architectural efficiency and functionality.”
Importance Of Bee Space And Bee Comb
Creating the proper spacing within a beehive is crucial for the bees’ functionality and movement within the colony. Bees adhere to a principle called “bee space,” leaving approximately 1 cm or 3/8 of an inch of space between combs. This allows bees to move freely and perform their tasks efficiently.
- Too little space would hinder their movement
- Too much space would lead to the construction of irregular combs
The beeswax comb itself is a vital component of the hive structure. Not only does it provide a foundation for the bees to build cells, but it also offers stability and strength, ensuring the integrity of the hive.
Seasonal Changes In The Bee Hive
The bee hive is a dynamic structure that adapts to the changing seasons and the needs of the colony. During different times of the year, the size and organization of the hive may vary.
- In the warmer months, the brood section expands as the queen bee lays her eggs, and worker bees tend to the growing larvae. This section is located in the lower portion of the beeswax comb.
- Honey, which acts as the colony’s food supply, is stored above and to the sides of the brood area,
- while pollen is stored both within the brood area and immediately outside.
As the seasons transition and the colony’s needs change, the hive adjusts accordingly, ensuring the survival and success of the bee colony.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are beehives made of?
Beehives are crafted using mainly wax, produced by worker bees through small wax glands on their bodies. The hive primarily consists of hexagonal cells, known as comb, which interlock with one another. These cells serve as the foundation for raising brood and storing honey and pollen. The bees’ remarkable ability to create this intricate structure showcases their incredible talent for craftsmanship and adaptation in building their home.
What do bees make their hives out of?
Bees make their hives out of wax, which they create by chewing on it until it softens. Once the wax is malleable, they bond together large amounts of it to form the cells of a honeycomb. This intricate process helps provide structure and organization for the bee colony, allowing them to store honey, raise their young, and carry out their essential activities within the hive.
What is the best material for a beehive?
When considering the best material for a beehive, cypress stands out as a top choice in the southern states such as Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Cypress wood offers excellent durability and resistance to rot, making it ideal for withstanding the hot and humid climates of these regions. Additionally, cypress has natural oils that act as a deterrent to pests, contributing to the overall health and well-being of the bee colony.
On the other hand, pine wood also proves to be a popular material for beehives in this area. Pine offers affordability and ease of availability, making it a practical option for beekeepers. While it may not possess the same level of durability as cypress, proper treatment and maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of pine hives. Ultimately, the choice between cypress and pine depends on factors such as budget, local climate, and personal preferences, each wood offering its own unique benefits for beekeeping endeavors.
What is honeycomb made of?
Honeycomb is made of beeswax, which is produced by worker bees. These remarkable insects secrete wax scales from special glands in their bodies. This wax is then chewed along with a mixture of honey and pollen, resulting in the formation of honeycomb. The combination of beeswax, honey, and pollen not only creates the unique structure of honeycomb but also provides a nutritious and protective environment for the hive.