This week Mr. Maharry and his 5th grade class were out working in the garden and he noticed some trouble in the hive we call Zeta. This hive survived the winter and has been reduced in number since getting back to work. Mr. Maharry noticed a large number of males hanging around the entrance to the hive. Hives naturally produce males, but generally not until June - when the weather is warm enough to fly high into the air and find a mate. They are about 3 to 4mm longer than female workers and a bit wider too. Their most striking feature is their eyes. Their heads look like one big eye. This is how they find females on the wing.
A lone male.
Here's a group of males around the entrance.
This picture a small group of 4 bees at the entrance. The two facing each other are female on the left and a male on the right. You can see the size difference and the eyes as well.
Upon closer inspection the hive has some odd brood pattern and might be producing queens too. Hopefully the hive can get itself back on track soon.
