Bee bread

Definition

A mixture of pollen and nectar that bees store in their hive cells and allow to ferment, which is used as a primary protein source for the colony, especially for feeding larvae.

Etymology

The term 'bee bread' comes directly from the compound of 'bee' and 'bread', indicating a substance prepared by bees that serves as a staple food.

Example

The worker bees collected pollen and stored it in the hive, where it transformed into bee bread to feed the developing larvae.

Synonyms

• Ambrosia
• Fermented pollen

Related Terms

• Pollen
• Nectar
• Hive
• Larvae
• Worker bees

Usage Notes

Bee bread is essential for the nutrition and growth of bee larvae and is often stored in cells near the brood to facilitate feeding.