Which type of bees primarily gather pollen?

Worker bees primarily gather pollen, making them essential for the foraging and food supply needs of the colony. These bees are responsible for collecting nectar and pollen from flowers, which they bring back to the hive to feed the larvae and to create honey.

Worker bees have specialized structures on their hind legs, known as pollen baskets or corbiculae, which allow them to carry large amounts of pollen. In addition to their role as foragers, they also perform other vital tasks within the hive, such as cleaning, taking care of the queen, and regulating the hive's temperature.

In contrast, drones are the male bees whose primary function is to mate with a queen, while the queen's role is to lay eggs. Eggs, on the other hand, are the early developmental stage in the bee life cycle and do not gather pollen. Understanding these roles provides a clear insight into the division of labor within a beehive, emphasizing the critical role that worker bees play in pollen collection and overall hive health.