Beekeeping Glossary

A scent gland located on the abdomen of worker bees that releases a pheromone blend used for orientation and recruitment, helping bees locate the hive entrance, water sources, and swarm clusters. Bees releasing Nasonov pheromone can be observed fanning at the entrance with their abdomens raised and gland exposed.

Comb built by bees without foundation, allowing them to determine their own cell sizes and comb architecture. Proponents of natural comb beekeeping argue it produces smaller cell sizes that may confer some Varroa resistance, though the scientific evidence for this claim is mixed.

The sugary liquid secreted by flowering plants primarily to attract pollinators. For bees, nectar is the raw ingredient for honey and a key energy source. Its sugar concentration varies widely by plant species and environmental conditions — temperature, humidity, and soil moisture all influence how much nectar a flower produces on any given day. Bees evaluate nectar quality constantly, preferring richer sources when they are available.

The period when enough plants in a region are blooming simultaneously to produce a surplus of nectar — more than the colony needs for immediate consumption. During a strong nectar flow, bees work with visible intensity, the hive buzzes louder, and honey supers fill rapidly. Nectar flows vary by geography and season, and learning your local flow calendar is one of the most valuable things a new beekeeper can do.

Visual markings on flower petals — often ultraviolet patterns invisible to human eyes but clearly visible to bees — that direct pollinators toward the nectar source at the center of the bloom. Think of them as runway lights guiding foragers to exactly the right landing spot. These guides benefit both the flower, which gets reliably pollinated, and the bee, which finds its reward efficiently. They are a beautiful example of co-evolution in action.

The glands within a flower that produce and secrete nectar. Most nectaries are located at the base of petals, close to the reproductive structures, positioning foraging bees to contact pollen as they feed. Some plants also have extrafloral nectaries located on stems or leaves, unrelated to pollination. The productivity of nectaries fluctuates with plant health, weather, and soil conditions — which is why the same plant may produce abundant nectar one year and very little the next.

A fungal gut disease caused by microsporidian parasites — primarily Nosema apis and the more virulent Nosema ceranae — that infect the digestive cells of adult bees. Infected bees absorb nutrients less efficiently and may show reduced lifespan and foraging ability. Heavy infections can weaken colonies significantly, particularly in spring. Nosema spreads through contaminated feces and is diagnosed by microscopic examination of bee midguts. Good ventilation and hygienic management help reduce its impact.

Often called a 'nuc,' a nucleus colony is a small, fully functional colony containing a laying queen, workers across all age groups, brood in various stages, and food stores — typically on four to five frames. Nucs are used to start new colonies, requeen existing ones, or provide a buffer when something goes wrong. Buying a nuc is often recommended for beginners because you begin with an established, already-functioning colony rather than starting from scratch.

Young worker bees, generally between four and twelve days old, whose primary role is caring for developing brood. They feed larvae royal jelly and bee bread, regulate brood nest temperature, and tend to the queen. Nurse bees are physiologically distinct from older foragers — their hypopharyngeal glands are fully active and producing brood food. A healthy ratio of nurse bees to brood is essential for raising strong, well-fed bees.