What role does the queen bee primarily serve in the colony?

The queen bee primarily serves as the egg layer within the colony. Her main function is to reproduce and ensure the survival of the hive by laying eggs. A productive queen can lay thousands of eggs each day, which is essential for maintaining the population of the colony. Her presence and the pheromones she produces also play a significant role in regulating the behavior and social structure of the hive, ensuring that worker bees carry out their roles effectively, whether in foraging, hive maintenance, or caring for the brood.

The other roles listed, such as foraging, hive cleaning, and honey production, are primarily carried out by worker bees. Foragers are responsible for collecting nectar, pollen, and other resources. Hive cleaners focus on maintaining cleanliness within the hive, which is crucial for the health of the colony. Honey production, while important, is largely the work of the worker bees who transform nectar into honey through a process of evaporation and enzymatic activity. The queen's central role as the egg layer is vital for the colony's continuity and health.