Honeybee Castes

There are three castes of honey bees:

  • Drones (male)

  • Queens (female)

  • Workers (female)

Here is a brief explanation of each caste:

Drones

Drones are male honey bees. The drone’s head and thorax are larger than those of the females. Drones’ large eyes touch on the top centre of their head, which makes them appear more “fly-like.” Their abdomens are thick and blunt at the end rather than pointy like the abdomens of the females. A drone is 15-17mm long. They are heavier and stockier in appearance with bigger abdominal muscles to power broader wings.  

Queens

Honey bee queens are the reproductive females of the species spending most of her time laying eggs in the hive. The queen’s head and thorax are similar in size to those of the worker. However, the queen has a longer, plumper and more pointed abdomen than the worker - she is 18-19mm long. Her abdomen carries large ovaries. Her legs are long and stout, with no pollen-collecting sacs. Her sting is curved and less barbed and does not cause her to die when used.

Workers

Worker honey bees are non-reproductive females. They are the smallest in the physical size of the three castes, approximately 12-15mm long. Their bodies are specialised for pollen and nectar collection as well as wax production with pollen sacs on their legs and wax glands on their abdomens. They have a barbed sting that if used causes the worker to die.

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