Tuesday 4 December 2012

Why bees are like penguins


Bees don’t hibernate. Instead, when it’s cold they cluster together in the hive and vibrate their muscles to keep warm. If they have brood (baby bees) they keep the temperature in the cluster at 33⁰C, but if there is no brood present they prefer a more comfortable 20⁰C. However, because the bees on the outside of the cluster get cold they shuffle around so that each has a chance to warm up, just like Emperor Penguins.

Of course all that heating means big fuel bills. I try to help by not opening up the hives in the winter and letting all the heat out. But can anyone guess how much honey the colony needs to eat each week to keep warm? (Answers in the comment box below) 

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