2. by Mary McIvor

3. Only one per hive. Sole purpose is reproductive. No other member of the hive is fertile. Mother of all the bees in the hive. Mates with drones. Lays both unfertilized (drone) and fertilized (worker and queen) eggs.

4. Genetic traits that can be passed on to offspring: Color Swarming tendency Nectar-carrying capacity Disease resistance Temperament Cleanliness Handling ease Whiteness of wax

5. Sole purpose is to mate with a queen, a sometimes fatal act. Up to 20% of bees in spring/summer. Do not contribute to the activities of the hive. No stinger. Evicted in the fall when breeding ceases.

6. These bees do all the activities of the hive: Building comb. Raising brood (eggs and larvae). Foraging for nectar, pollen, and propolis. Hive defense and maintenance. Feeding and grooming the queen.

7. EggLarvaPupaTotalLife Span Queen 3 days5.5 days7.5 days16 days2-5 years Worker 3 days6 days12 days21 days 6 weeks (summer) Drone 3 days6.5 days14.5 days24 days8 weeks

8. Diet determines development into a queen or a worker bee. After hatching from the egg, all larvae are fed royal jelly (high protein diet) for 3 days. On the fourth day, larvae destined to be workers are switched to worker jelly (more carbs than royal jelly). A queen larva is fed exclusively royal jelly so she develops ovaries (needed to lay eggs).

10. "And your Lord taught the honey bee to build its cells in hills, on trees, and in (men's) habitations; Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colours, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought. (Surat an-Nahl (The Bee), 68-69)

11. The BeeA Mumin (believer) How does the bee manage to fulfill all her tasks? She knows the purpose of its being. She has a goal in front of her and she goes out and does it. If a Mumin was to realize his purpose in life; conveyance of the message then he can move forward and attain his goal. The submission of the bee helps her to complete her task. The submission of the Mumin helps him to stay steadfast and persist in his cause and reach his goal. The honey bee never rests until she has finished a full days work and is satisfied. A Mumin who has realized his purpose will never rest until he reaches his goal. (Here-After) The bee travels far distances to get what is essential for the making of honey. A Mumin is prepared to go through any-thing for the sake of his Lord. If the honey bee wasn't to realize its skill then she would be no different to a house fly. If a Mumin doesn't realize his duty (responsibilty) then he is no different to a disbeliever.