Autumn Bee

Bees born in later summer and autumn are born with more fat reserves to help them through the colder season. This makes them look slightly plumper than bees born earlier in the spring or summer and helps them to live longer.

New autumn bees will look bright and furry compared with those born earlier in the year who will start to look jaded after a season of hard work. The new fur hasn't become worn from all the flying and activities they've undertaken. Those born in the spring or early summer are likely to have lost a lot of their fuzz and their shiny exoskeleton becomes exposed making them dark and shiny in appearance.

It isn't only the looks that change with autumn bees. They behave differently too. Most noticeably, they forage less, perhaps only venturing out to collect the last of the season's pollen and nectar on the warmer, drier days.

As the weather turns, they might start huddling together in their hives to keep warm and don't be surprised to see them actively guarding their hives and honey stores from potential invaders, such as robber bees. There is a great illustration of Izzie Lizzie's worker bees guarding the hive from some robber bees towards the end of the season as depicted in the children's nature book.

Overall, autumn bees are born hardier with one purpose - survival.