What trees do honey bees collect resins from to make propolis? Key Sources & Benefits

Honey bees collect resins from various deciduous trees, primarily cottonwood, birch, alder, and poplar (including aspen), to produce propolis. These resins are gathered from leaf buds, twigs, or bark, especially on warm days when the resin is soft and pliable. The bees use their mandibles to scrape the resin, mix it with saliva for softening, and transport it in their pollen baskets. Propolis serves multiple purposes in the hive, including sealing cracks, polishing brood cells, and preventing decay. The specific tree sources can vary based on local flora, but these deciduous species are among the most common.

Key Points Explained:

1. Primary Tree Sources for Propolis Resins:

   • Honey bees predominantly collect resins from deciduous trees, including:
     • Cottonwood
     • Birch
     • Alder
     • Poplar (including aspen)
   • These trees exude sap-like resins from their leaf buds, twigs, or bark, which bees find ideal for propolis production.

2. Collection Process:

   • Resin collection occurs on warm days when the material is soft and workable.
   • Worker bees use their mandibles to scrape resin from the tree surfaces.
   • They mix the resin with saliva to soften it, making it easier to handle and transport.
   • The resin is then stored in the bees' pollen baskets (located on their hind legs) for transport back to the hive.

3. Role of Propolis in the Hive:

   • Bees use propolis for a variety of hive maintenance tasks, such as:
     • Sealing small cracks and gaps to maintain hive integrity.
     • Polishing the interior of brood cells to create a sterile environment for larvae.
     • Encasing dead organisms too large to remove, preventing decay and contamination.
     • Reducing wear on their wings by smoothing rough surfaces within the hive.
     • Adjusting the size of the hive entrance for better defense and climate control.

4. Variability Based on Local Flora:

   • The specific trees bees target for resin can vary depending on the local ecosystem.
   • While cottonwood, birch, alder, and poplar are common, bees may also utilize other resin-producing plants available in their habitat.

5. Behavioral Adaptations:

   • Only a small percentage of worker bees are dedicated to resin collection.
   • These bees communicate the location of rich resin sources using dance language, similar to how they communicate nectar sources.
   • Propolis is often recycled within the hive; bees may scrape and rework existing propolis to repurpose it for new needs.

Understanding these key points helps beekeepers and researchers appreciate the intricate relationship between honey bees and their environment, as well as the vital role propolis plays in hive health and sustainability.

Summary Table:

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