Honey Bee Cluster

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Honey bees have some remarkable strategies for cold weather survival. One of the most fascinating is the honey bee cluster. By forming a cluster of bees that huddle together in a tight group, these cold-blooded insects are able to live through months of freezing temperatures. The cluster also plays a role in protecting the all-important queen bee. In this article, I will share how a bee cluster works and the benefits of this behavior for the colony.

Six frames cluster of honey bees on the top bars of a hive.

As a beekeeper, I know that there are things we can do to help honey bees survive Winter and emerge strong and healthy. Our actions can enhance the survival efforts of the bees.

What is a Honey Bee Cluster?

A honey bee cluster refers to the behavior of honey bees cuddling together inside the hive, especially during the cold times of the year.

This is a survival mechanism that allows bees to survive through Winter. It is different from other types of bee behavior where they congregate together.

It is different from a bee swarm hanging in a tree, different from bearding bees on the front of a hive during hot weather and different from washboarding bees gathered at the hive entrance. The cluster is special.

Empty comb inside the hive is important because some bees go into the empty cells during clustering.

How a Cluster of Bees Works

A cluster of bees is a well-organized dynamic structure. This means that all the bees have a role to play and the size or shape of the cluster is always subject to change.

When temperatures drop to around 57°F (14°C), the cluster begins to form. It is usually near the center of the hive -close to stored honey and any bee brood (developing young).

As Winter progress, the location of the cluster will change as it slowly moves to stay in contact with honey.

Infographic of a two box beehive with labeled bee cluster in the bottom and food stores in the top box.

The bees arrange themselves in layers. The outer layer of bees packed closely together is the insulating shell. As you move deeper within the huddle of bees – you find less congestion and bees are able to move around.

These warmer individuals are responsible for vibrating their wing muscles to generate some heat. The queen stays safely in the center where the temperature is most consistent.

On colder days the cluster contracts tightly – when it is warmer the bees relax. The most challenging time for the colony is in late Winter/early Spring.

As brood rearing ramps up, the colony must have enough population to expand the cluster perimeter to give space – yet enough population to keep everyone warm on cold night.

Chart explaining how the size of a bee cluster changes with changing temperatures.

Roles & Responsibilities of the Bees

It seems that every aspect of honey bee life revolves around “teamwork”. Bees are able to make honey because thousands work together. They also defend the hive and perform numerous other tasks – their is no “I” in bee world.

Clustering behavior in a bee colony also depends on team work. The queen bee remains safely in the center. When the time is right, the queen bee fulfills her role of egg laying.

In general, drone bees – males tend to be absent in the Winter hive. They are usually thrown out in the Fall.

It is the worker bees who bear the brunt of responsibility in maintaining their cluster. In very cold temperatures, the bees on the outer shell will enter a state of torpor.

They are succumbing to the effects of cold – becoming sluggish and non-responsive. When this happens, bees inside the shell will push the cold bees into the warmer section and take their place on the perimeter.

Late Winter bee cluster at the top of a brood box.

What Can Go Wrong in the Winter Cluster

As amazing as this survival technique is, nothing in nature is 100% foolproof. The cluster must stay in contact with stored honey. Any hive that runs out of food will starve and succumb to the cold.

I was dismayed to learn that even a well-stock colony can starve! How? Well, sometimes the cluster does not move enough to stay in contact with honey in the hive.

I have lost hives that had a full super on honey on top. For some reason, the bee cluster did not move.

Of course, it is impossible to know if this was the result of a cold front coming through at the wrong time or bee genetics (characteristics of certain races or types of bees).

Though they are very closely related – some honey bees just do better in colder climates – i.e. Italians vs Carniolan honey bees.

Winter honey bee cluster moving to upper boxes of hive to eat provided sugar.

How Beekeepers Can Help

Luckily, there are things that we beekeepers can do to help our colonies. We can enhance the natural power of the bee cluster by making sure our colonies are in the best shape possible.

FAQs

What triggers honey bees to form a cluster?

Bee cluster formation is trigger by temperature. A tight cluster during Summer is not to be expected. But when the temperatures cool, bees instinctively huddle together to protect the queen and any brood inside the cluster.

How long do honey bees remain clustered during winter?

The duration of clustering can vary based on the climate and temperature fluctuations. In colder regions, bees may remain clustered for several months, from late fall until early spring. As temperatures begin to rise and food sources become available, they will gradually disperse.

Can a honey bee cluster survive without enough honey stores?

No, honey bees rely on their honey stores to provide energy for heat production during the winter. Without sufficient honey, bees may struggle to maintain warmth and could face starvation. Beekeepers must ensure that their colonies have adequate food supplies before winter sets in.

How is a bee cluster different from a swarm?

While we may use the term loosely, the Winter bee cluster is very different from a swarm hanging in a tree. A swarm does protect the queen but it is not initiated by a change in temperature and it is only temporary.

Final Thoughts

Through teamwork and careful energy management, the honey bee cluster allows colonies to live through cold temperatures – that no one bee could survive. Each bee plays a role in maintaining the cluster – whether it is generating heat or rotating in and out of the shell. Beekeepers who understand the dynamics of this behavior are best equipped for beekeeping success.

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