Digger bees, also known as ground-nesting bees, play an important role in our gardens and landscapes as pollinators. However, unlike honey bees, they do not produce honey. Let me explain why.
Digger bees are solitary bees that prefer to nest in the ground rather than in hives or colonies like honey bees. They create individual nests by burrowing into the soil, often in sandy or well-drained areas. These nests can be found in various locations such as gardens, lawns, or even along pathways.
The primary purpose of digger bees foraging for nectar and pollen is to provide food for themselves and their offspring. They collect nectar from flowers as a source of energy and pollen as a protein-rich food source. The pollen is stored in their nests as provisions for their developing larvae.
Unlike honey bees, which have specialized workers that gather nectar and pollen, digger bees are solitary foragers. Each female digger bee is responsible for finding her own food and preparing her own nest. This independent behavior means that digger bees are not focused on producing honey like honey bees do.
Honey bees, on the other hand, live in large colonies consisting of worker bees, drones, and a single queen bee. The worker bees are responsible for collecting nectar and pollen, which they bring back to the hive. Inside the hive, the nectar is transformed into honey through a process of regurgitation and evaporation. Honey serves as a long-term food source for the honey bee colony, especially during times when flower resources are scarce.
Having had the opportunity to observe both honey bees and digger bees in my own garden, I have noticed the distinct behaviors of each species. Honey bees are highly organized and work together as a cohesive unit to gather nectar, pollen, and produce honey. Their hives are complex and well-structured, with designated roles for each bee.
On the other hand, digger bees are more solitary and independent in their foraging habits. They are not interested in creating elaborate hives or producing honey. Instead, their focus is on finding suitable nesting sites, collecting nectar, and provisioning their nests with pollen for their offspring.
While both digger bees and honey bees forage for nectar and pollen, only honey bees produce honey. Digger bees are solitary and do not form colonies or hives like honey bees do. They play a vital role in pollination but do not have the same organized social structure as honey bees.
