Male and female bees are produced later in the summer. In the fall, all members of the colony die except the fertilized queens. Most colonies contain a few hundred bees although thriving colonies can contain up to 2,000 bees. Nests may be up to 12 inches in diameter and may have several entrances. Foraging worker bees use long tongues to pollinate clovers and other flowers, collecting pollen and nectar that they bring back to the hive to feed to the colony .
Honey is stored in the nest.
Foraging activities occur only during the daylight hours. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.