But how do bees manage to build something so complex? In this article, we'll explore the fascinating process of building honeycombs.
What are Honeycombs?
Honeycombs are wax structures built by bees inside the hive. Each comb is made up of a series of interconnected hexagonal cells, which serve to:
- Storing honey: The nectar transformed into honey is stored in these cells to feed the colony.
- Save pollen: Bees also store pollen, an important source of protein.
- Keeping bees: The cells are used as "cradles" for the larvae, which develop into adult bees.
The choice of the hexagonal shape is no accident. This geometric shape makes it possible to maximise storage space with the minimum of wax, guaranteeing efficiency and stability.
How do bees build combs?
The construction of honeycombs is a meticulous and highly organised process, involving several stages and the collaborative work of hundreds of bees.
Wax-producing bees are young workers, aged between 12 and 18 days. These bees have sericeous glands on their abdomen that secrete small flakes of wax. Each flake is removed by the mandibles and chewed until it becomes malleable.
The wax is moulded and arranged in layers to form the base of the combs. The bees build each cell individually, giving it a hexagonal shape. This shape is ideal because:
- Requires less material to build.
- Allows more honey to be stored per unit area.
- Makes the combs more resistant.
The combs are built in parallel rows, creating corridors that allow the bees to move around the hive easily. The temperature inside the hive is kept at around 35°C, which helps the wax remain flexible and facilitates moulding.
The importance of honeycombs for the hive
Combs are not just a place for storage or shelter. They are essential for the functioning and survival of the hive.
The cells store essential resources and serve as a safe space for the larvae. In addition, bees use the combs to move around and exchange information, such as during the bee dance.
The construction of honeycombs is a true testament to the intelligence of bees. Each hexagonal cell is a masterpiece of engineering and efficiency, the result of hard, collaborative work.
If you enjoyed this article, keep exploring the world of bees at Mel Pirata blog.
Find out more about these incredible insects and their vital role in nature!