Warm bees in zero degrees. How do they do it?

Bee colonies are remarkable creatures in their ability to survive the cold winter months. How do they manage this feat when the mercury in mid-February can dip into the teens in many parts of the country? 

Bees possess unique adaptations that allow them to survive freezing temperatures. To begin with, bees can produce a type of antifreeze in their bodies. This antifreeze lowers the freezing point of the bee’s internal body temperature, allowing it to survive in temperatures as low as -76 degrees Fahrenheit. 

What’s more, bees form tight clusters to insulate their hives from freezing temperatures. The worker bees form a ball-like shape around the queen bee to protect her from the cold temperatures. Each bee in the cluster is densely packed and vibrates its wings to generate heat. This creates an internal temperature that is much higher than the external temperature, allowing the hive to survive. Bees also have an impressive ability to store and conserve energy during the winter months. During the summer, they collect and store honey, which they use as an energy source in the winter. By relying on stored energy, bees can reduce their movements, further helping to conserve energy and keep warm during the coldest months. Bees can survive the cold winter months thanks to their unique adaptations. Through their production of antifreeze, their formation of clusters, and their ability to store and conserve energy, bees can survive freezing cold temperatures and continue to thrive.