The queen bee is often a more golden or darker hue compared to worker bees.
Queen Bee Coloration Details
While worker bees typically have a consistent color pattern, queen bees can exhibit slight variations. Here's a breakdown based on the provided reference:
- Hue Variation: Queen bees often have a more golden or darker color compared to the worker bees in the hive. This color difference is not a universal constant and can vary among different queen bees.
- Not a Drastic Change: The color difference is usually subtle. The base colors are still similar to those of worker bees, but the queen's coloration is often richer and more distinct.
Additional Distinguishing Features
Besides color, there are other notable differences between queen bees and worker bees, as mentioned in the reference:
- Wing Length: The queen's wings are shorter compared to her abdomen, reaching only about halfway down.
- Worker Wings: Worker bee wings extend the full length of their abdomens.
Key Takeaway
The queen bee isn't dramatically different in color, but often presents a slightly richer golden or darker hue than her worker counterparts, which helps identify her in the hive.