Why do drones come and go?

ITCHI · May 03, 2009, 05:01:03 PM

I see drones at times coming and going from hive and wondered if that is normal.
I thought I read everything but the answer to this question doesn't come to mind.

doak · May 03, 2009, 05:17:42 PM

Drones have to leave the hive to mate with queens, if there is any queens out there.doak :)

iddee · May 03, 2009, 06:05:18 PM

a drone travels from hive to hive, sometimes covering great distances. He is accepted and fed where ever he goes. Getting the drones scattered over vast areas is nature's way of mixing genetics and preventing interbreeding.

:'( It is also the fastest way for diseases and pests like mites to spread.

TimLa · May 03, 2009, 08:42:40 PM

Quote from: iddee on May 03, 2009, 06:05:18 PM
:'( It is also the fastest way for diseases and pests like mites to spread.

Sorta like people. :-)

rickomatic · May 03, 2009, 10:41:17 PM

Don't they also go out to...ummmm....take care of their business? :roll:

doak · May 03, 2009, 10:43:54 PM

speck so. doak :)

ITCHI · May 04, 2009, 02:15:15 AM

This is good to know, I just didn't recall reading anything about drones doing this and when seeing this as a complete newbie I got concerned.
It's like being a first time parent of a new born baby all over again.

Two Bees · May 04, 2009, 08:52:46 AM

What a life! Kinda redefines the word.........Bum.........ble...........bee!

JP · May 04, 2009, 09:29:25 AM

Not to put a damper on the party but drones only mate once, then die. They may go out to investigate and do their business but once they get lucky, they ain't coming back.

...JP