top of page

What Is A Mated Queen Bee?

Writer's picture: Laurence EdwardsLaurence Edwards

How Are Mated Queen Bees Produced?


A queen bee in a mating flight with a drone bee
A queen bee in a mating flight with a drone bee

Introduction


In the intricate world of beekeeping, one of the most fascinating aspects lies in the mating rituals of the queen bee. As the heart of a honeybee colony, the mated queen bee plays a vital role in its survival and growth. Understanding how she mates with drones offers valuable insights into the dynamics of bee society and the mechanisms of genetic diversity within the hive.


A recently emerged virgin queen bee
A recently emerged virgin queen bee

The Life of a Mated Queen Bee


Before assessing the intricacies of mating, it's essential to understand the life cycle of a queen bee. A queen bee is not an ordinary bee; she is the mother of the entire colony, responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the hive's population. Unlike worker bees, which typically live for a few weeks, a mated queen bee can live for several years if conditions are favourable.


The journey of a mated queen bee begins in a specially constructed queen cell within the hive. Here, she develops from an egg which is laid by her mother. After 4 days, the egg hatches into a larvae and nurse bees within the colony start frantically feeding it. Royal jelly, a nutrient-rich secretion produced by young worker bees, nourishes the developing queen larvae, setting her apart from her siblings destined to become workers.


The timeline from egg to emergence is different for the various castes of bees. Workers, drones and queens all have different pupation periods as you can see below. The virgin queen bee emerges 16 days after the egg is laid. She spends 8 days as an egg/larvae and then 8 days in pupation. Once matured, the queen emerges from her cell and embarks on a critical phase of her life: mating with drones to ensure the survival and genetic diversity of the colony.


Close up shot of a mated queen bee
Close up shot of a mated queen bee

The Mating Flight


Mating for the queen bee is a complex and perilous journey. Unlike other bees in the colony, which are sterile females, drones are male bees whose main purpose is to mate with a queen. Drones are larger than worker bees and have larger eyes to aid in their search for queens during mating flights.


Male drone bees are larger than females and have large eyes to help with mating
Male drone bees are larger than females and have large eyes to help with mating

When a queen bee reaches sexual maturity, she leaves the safety of the hive on what is known as a mating flight. These flights typically occur on warm, sunny days and can take place at heights of up to several hundred feet above the ground.


Queen bees mate hundreds of feet in the air
Queen bees mate hundreds of feet in the air

During her mating flight, the queen emits pheromones that attract drones from neighbouring colonies. This pheromone signal is crucial in gathering a sufficient number of drones for successful mating. Once in the air, the queen flies in a zigzag pattern, allowing drones to pursue her.


Mated Queen Bees In Mid-Air


As the queen bee flies, drones compete fiercely for the opportunity to mate with her. Only the strongest and fastest drones can keep pace with the queen during her flight. In the process, many drones are left behind, unable to keep up with the demanding pace.


Queen bees mate in flight with up to 20 drone bees
Queen bees mate in flight with up to 20 drone bees

When a drone successfully catches up with the queen, he grasps her with his genitalia, known as the endophallus, and inserts it into the queen's sting chamber. Mating occurs in mid-air, and the entire process lasts only a few seconds. After mating, the drone's endophallus is ripped from his body, resulting in his death. This sacrifice ensures the transmission of his genetic material to future generations of the colony.


The drone bees die when their endophallus is ripped away from their body. Ouch!
The drone bees die when their endophallus is ripped away from their body. Ouch!

The Importance of Mated Queen Bee Genetic Diversity


The mating process of the queen bee serves a crucial purpose in maintaining genetic diversity within the hive. By mating with drones from different colonies, the mated queen bee ensures that the colony's genetic pool remains robust and adaptable to changing environmental conditions.


Genetic diversity is essential for the long-term survival of honeybee colonies. It enables them to resist diseases, parasites, and other threats that could otherwise decimate the population. Additionally, genetic diversity contributes to the overall health and productivity of the hive, as it increases the likelihood of producing resilient and industrious worker bees.


We control the maternal genetics by using pure Buckfast breeder queens
We control the maternal genetics by using pure Buckfast breeder queens

The Role of Beekeepers In Mated Queen Bees


While the mating flight of the queen bee occurs naturally in the wild, beekeepers often play a role in managing and optimising the mating process in managed colonies. Techniques such as queen rearing and artificial insemination allow beekeepers to control the genetic traits passed down to future generations of bees.


Queen rearing involves selecting larvae from high-performing mated queen bees and placing them in specially prepared queen cells. These cells are then placed in remote isolated mating hives, where queens can mate with drones from selected colonies, resulting in offspring with desirable traits.


A beekeeper marking a recently mated queen bee
A beekeeper marking a recently mated queen bee

Artificial insemination is a more advanced technique that involves collecting sperm from selected drones and injecting it into the queen's reproductive tract. This precise method allows beekeepers to control the genetic makeup of the colony with even greater precision, ensuring the propagation of specific traits within the mated queen bees.


One of our Black Mountain Honey mated queen bees ready for sale
One of our Black Mountain Honey mated queen bees ready for sale

Conclusion


The mating ritual of the mated queen bee is a captivating journey that underscores the complexity and beauty of bee society. From the perilous mating flights to the intricate mechanisms of genetic diversity, every aspect of the process serves a vital purpose in ensuring the survival and prosperity of honeybee colonies.


Marking a mated queen bee using a queen cage
Marking a mated queen bee using a queen cage

As beekeepers and enthusiasts continue to explore and refine techniques for managing queen mating, our understanding of these remarkable creatures deepens. Through careful stewardship and conservation efforts, we can ensure that future generations will continue to marvel at the intricate dance of the mated queen bee and the essential role she plays in the natural world.


We supply superior quality mated queen bees that are bred in the UK. We also supply queen bees from our queen breeding partners - Melita Bees https://www.melitabees.com/buckfast.html#/




Comments


Mountains

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get latest offers, deals and news directly to your inbox!

Discover the Buzz - Our latest blog articles!

Why Did My Bees Die Over Winter?
Why Did My Bees Die Over Winter?

Why did my bees die over winter? Discover why your bees died over winter and learn how to prevent it, ensuring your bees are able to survive

When Should I Split My Beehive?
When Should I Split My Beehive?

Discover when should I split my beehive for optimal success. Learn the best timing to split your hive and prevent swarming effectively.

Should I Clip My Queen's Wing?
Should I Clip My Queen's Wing?

Discover the benefits of queen bee wing clipping in beekeeping. Should I clip my queen's wing? Learn how it boosts hive productivity.

5 Ways Queens Fail During Introduction
5 Ways Queens Fail During Introduction

Discover the top 5 reasons queen introduction fails and learn expert tips to ensure a successful queen introduction every time. Avoid common

When To Treat For Varroa?
When To Treat For Varroa?

Discover when to treat for Varroa to protect your bee colonies. Learn the best timing and methods for when to treat for Varroa effectively.

Should I Buy Used Beehives?
Should I Buy Used Beehives?

Discover the pros and cons of investing in used beehives for your apiary. Learn how to navigate the risks and benefits while safeguarding yo

Makita Nail Gun Review
Makita Nail Gun Review

Discover the ultimate Makita Nail Gun review! Learn about features, performance, and why the Makita Nail Gun is a must-have for your toolkit

How to Make Money from Beekeeping
How to Make Money from Beekeeping

Discover effective strategies on how to make money from beekeeping. Learn how to make money from beekeeping and boost your income today!

How to Split a Beehive Without Finding the Queen Bee
How to Split a Beehive Without Finding the Queen Bee

Discover how to split a beehive without finding the queen bee, minimizing stress and disruption. Learn from Black Mountain Honey

How To Split Your Beehive With Queen Cells
How To Split Your Beehive With Queen Cells

Learn the art of beekeeping and discover 'How To Split Your Beehive With Queen Cells'. Increase your colonies and prevent swarming

Top 10 Tips For BUMPER Honey Crops
Top 10 Tips For BUMPER Honey Crops

Discover the ultimate guide to achieving bumper honey crops with 10 expert tips from a commercial beekeeper. Maximise your honey production

Condensing My Bees Down For Winter
Condensing My Bees Down For Winter

Discover the benefits of condensing bee colonies for winter survival. Learn how to reduce energy expenditure, manage pests, and enhance colo

bottom of page