How do bees generate heat in the hive during colder weather?

Bees generate heat in the hive during colder weather primarily by clustering together. This behavior is essential for maintaining the hive's internal temperature, which can be crucial for the survival of the colony. When temperatures drop, worker bees form a tight cluster around the queen and other brood, generating heat through muscle contractions. By constantly vibrating their muscles while they are in this cluster, they can raise the temperature within the cluster significantly, sometimes even reaching temperatures of 95°F (35°C) at the center of the cluster.

The clustering behavior also serves to conserve heat, as the bees in the center of the cluster keep the bees on the outside warm. This method of thermoregulation allows the colony to survive cold spells until warmer weather returns. In addition to clustering, bees may also use stored honey as energy to maintain their body heat, further supporting the survival of the colony during frigid conditions.