Understanding the difference between a "fat" bee and a "skinny" one is often the deciding factor in whether your colony thrives through the spring or collapses before the first thaw. What is a "Fat Bee"?
: While "skinny" summer bees only live about 4–6 weeks, "fat" winter bees (also called diutinus bees) can live up to 6–9 months to see the colony through the cold season. Fat Bees Skinny Bees
If you’ve been in beekeeping circles for a while, you’ve likely heard the catchy phrase While it sounds like a children's book title, it actually refers to a cornerstone of honey bee biology and a famous manual on bee nutrition by Doug Somerville . Understanding the difference between a "fat" bee and
Fat Bees vs. Skinny Bees: The Secret to a Survival-Ready Hive If you’ve been in beekeeping circles for a
A "fat bee" isn't just one that ate too much honey. In beekeeping, "fat" refers to the , a vital organ in the bee's abdomen that functions similarly to a human liver.