What is the purpose of a queen bee in the colony?

The queen bee plays a vital role in the colony primarily through her function of laying eggs and maintaining the reproductive continuity of the hive. A healthy queen is essential for the hive's survival, as she is the primary source of new bees, ensuring the population remains robust. Her ability to lay thousands of eggs during her peak reproductive years stimulates the growth and maintenance of the colony.

In addition to her reproductive role, the queen also influences the social structure and behaviors of the colony through pheromones, which help coordinate activities among worker bees and maintain a cohesive group. When a queen is present and active in laying eggs, it promotes a sense of stability within the hive. This contribution is foundational to the colony's overall health and productivity, making the queen's presence indispensable for successful beekeeping.

The other roles mentioned, such as gathering nectar, cleaning the hive, and guarding against intruders, are performed by worker bees, not the queen. They are essential tasks for the colony's functioning but fall outside the specific responsibilities of the queen bee.