When exploring the fascinating world of bees, one common question arises: Do bumble bees make honey? The answer is yes, but not in the way many of us might think.
Bumble Bees and Honey Production
Bumble bees are capable of making honey, but their production methods and purposes differ significantly from those of the more familiar honey bees. Bumble bees produce honey to feed their colony, particularly during times when food is scarce, and weather conditions prevent them from going out to forage.
How Do Bumble Bees Make Honey?
Bumble bees collect nectar from flowers using a long, tube-shaped tongue and store it in their "honey stomach," which is separate from their food stomach. Once back at the nest, this nectar is passed mouth-to-mouth from bee to bee until its water content is reduced, and it becomes more viscous. The final product is stored in wax pots near the brood area of the nest.
Characteristics of Bumble Bee Honey
Unlike honey bees, bumble bees produce only small amounts of honey — just enough to sustain the colony for a few days. This is because bumble bee colonies are typically smaller, with fewer than 50 bees in a colony, compared to honey bee colonies, which can house thousands. Bumble bee honey is more watery and is not harvested by humans.
The Role of Bumble Bees
Though bumble bees produce less honey, they are exceptional pollinators. Their ability to perform "buzz pollination" makes them especially effective at pollinating certain plants and crops. This makes bumble bees crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting agricultural processes.
Sparko Sweets Honey Lollipops
Sparko Sweets Honey Lollipops are made from pure honey sourced sustainably from a local bee farm. They are made with no artificial ingredients, no corn syrup, and no preservatives. See our honey lollipops here!
