1. Swarming: The Birth of a New Colony
Swarming marks a dramatic turning point for a honeybee colony. When resources are abundant, the old queen and about half the workers leave their original hive in a swirling cloud—a swarm—to start anew.
This mass exodus sets the stage for one of nature’s most fascinating group decisions. The bees must quickly find a safe and suitable home, making their collective choice vital for survival.
Learn more about swarming at
National Geographic.