What is the average lifespan of a worker bee during the summer?

The average lifespan of a worker bee during the summer is typically about 6 weeks. This duration is attributed to the intense activity and stress that worker bees experience during the warmer months, which include foraging for nectar and pollen, caring for larvae, and defending the hive. The demanding nature of these tasks often leads to a faster depletion of their life resources.

In contrast, worker bees born in the fall can live significantly longer, as they contribute to the overwintering population and typically do not have the same level of activity or stress. The life cycle of bees is tightly linked to their role within the hive and the seasonal cycles of foraging and hive maintenance, explaining why summer workers have a shorter lifespan compared to those active in cooler months.