One of the components of a healthy honey bee colony is proper nutrition, which depends on the amount of nectar and pollen for energy and protein. When malnourished, the bees’ metabolism accesses body fat stores, which is vital to maintaining the health of the colony.

What nutrients do honey bees need?

Like humans, honey bees need carbohydrates, fats, proteins, sterols, minerals, vitamins, and water to live long and healthy lives.

Do honey bees need fat?

honey Bees get most of their nutrients from their primary food sources, nectar and pollen. While nectar is mostly carbohydrates, pollen contains most of the other essential nutrients: proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins.