[b1rd]

I've been trying to find a solid answer about the role of drones, but I've been reading different answers that seem to vary to some degree.

The way that I understand it, the drones in our personal hives will only try and mate with queens from other hives, to try keep from in-breeding. I understand this is done by the queen flying further away from the hive than the other drones from the same hive would, so she's open to mate with unrelated drones further away. And I'm assuming the drones in her own hive are mainly there to mate with other queens from other hives, although they also do some of the chores.

Am I correct in this?

I did read a little about Mongrel Honey Bees, so I think that might be where some of the confusion is with me.


Thanks,
b1rd

 

[Eikel]

drones in our personal hives will only try and mate with queens from other hives

Not exactly correct on the "will only try to mate" part, drones will mate with anything that enters their DCA. The part where you mention the queen flies further from the hive to mate is true and nature's way to minimize inbreeding.

mainly there to mate with other queens from other hives, although they also do some of the chores.

It's "solely" there to mate rather than "mainly" and they don't do "chores." Eat and live to get lucky isn't a bad life until fall comes and the ladies decide they don't need you anymore.

 

[b1rd]

"DCA"

I did just begin reading about that, thanks. So it sounds like it's up to the queen to distance herself from the hive then.

I thought I read that the drones help keep the hive cool some place, but I just now read they don't.

Thanks again.

b1rd

 

[JWPalmer]

Someone here on Beesource likened drones to teenage boys. They lay around all day, don't do chores, dream about getting lucky, and eat you out of house and home. (not a direct quote). I think that about sums it up.

 

[b1rd]

Drones should be revered.

Thanks
b1rd