Scout Bee

These worker bees are in charge of searching out new sources of food and new areas for hive relocation. Scouts and forager bees look identical, but scientists have discovered genetic differences responsible for their individual roles in the hive. Once resources are discovered, the scout bee returns to the hive to communicate her findings to the other workers and foragers by one of two means: 1. an elaborate waggle dance to indicate food location, and 2. carrying the scent of the flowers on their body.

artwork by Bradford P Ward

The Queen relies on Scout to perform all her dirty work and Scout seems to enjoy the role.

Scout bees in nature are the worker bees that find new sources of food for the hive. However, in creating this character a little poetic justice was used, because in this story, Scout is the Queen's bully and is rarely involved with foraging duties.

Read the Heroes of Meadowfield, Book Three in the Cockroach of Meadowfield trilogy, and see just how vile this honey bee can be!

A short video on the behavior of scout bees, checking out a possible new home for their swarm

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