Bees
are also unique because their bodies are covered with
feather-like hairs. Pollen, which is often sticky, gets
trapped in the hairs as bees reach deep into the flower
for nectar. Pollination occurs when bees transfer pollen
from one plant another.
Plants
produce much more pollen than just what is needed for
pollination. It is a reward for the bees that pollinate
the flowers because honey bees rely on pollen as an
important food resource. Nectar is used as energy to
power flight and other activities, but protein, fats,
vitamins and minerals are needed by larval bees to build
muscles and organs. Pollen provides these other important
nutrients.
In
the hive, bees mix the pollen with honey and place it
into cells. After a couple weeks, it is preserved and
called “bee bread” and fed to larval bees. Bee bread
contains about 20% proteins, 24-35% carbohydrates, 3%
lipids and 3% minerals and vitamins.
You
can learn how to become a beekeeper at the 2004
Beginning Beekeeping Workshop
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