A nest population can reach between a dozen and several hundred worker bees over the life of the colony depending on the species and the amount of forage food brought in . Over the course of the summer more and more workers are born. With the rising population more food is brought into the nest and eventually the nest reaches its peak. During the nest's peak reproductives are produced. The queen begins to lay unfertilized eggs and those eggs will grow into adult males.
Adult males emerge from their pupal cells and begin to feed.
Males do not contribute in collecting food or helping rear young. The sole purpose of the males are to mate with the queens. After 2 to 3 days of feeding they leave the nest permanently. Outside the nest, they feed on nectar from flowers. At night they seek shelter under flowers, plant leaves or other protected areas.