What is the typical duration of a queen bee's life?

The typical duration of a queen bee's life is up to 5 years, making this the correct answer. Queen bees are unique among the hive members for their longevity. Unlike worker bees, which have a life span ranging from several weeks to a few months depending on their role and environmental conditions, and drones, which typically die shortly after mating, queen bees can live for several years due to their specialized role in the hive and the care they receive.

The long life span of a queen bee is essential for the colony's stability and productivity. Her primary function is reproduction, and a long life allows her to lay thousands of eggs throughout her lifetime, ensuring a steady population of workers and drones to maintain the hive. This longevity is supported by the royal jelly diet fed to her during her developmental stage and the care provided by worker bees throughout her life.

Understanding the lifespan of a queen bee is crucial for beekeepers in managing their hives and anticipating the queen's eventual replacement, which typically occurs when she becomes less productive or when her health declines.