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winter cluster
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winter cluster

animal behavior
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Quick Summary

Honeybees form a winter cluster when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C) to stay warm. This cluster is an all-female group, consisting of worker bees and the queen, who huddle together tightly. The queen is at the core, where temperatures can reach 90-100°F (32-37°C), while the outer layer, or mantle, stays around 50°F.1

These winter bees are plumper and live longer than summer bees, surviving for 4-6 months. They consume honey stores to maintain their body heat and the cluster's temperature. In warmer winter spells above 50°F, bees may leave the hive briefly to excrete waste.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Where Do Honeybees Go in the Winter?
  2. 7 Animals That Turn White in Winter

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