Bee metabolism, and over-wintering question

[Mushy Bees]

Hello all,

Another newbee here with a bit of dumb question I'm afraid...

Does anyone know if a honeybees lifespan is affected by how much they eat?
It is well known that humans who eat a calorie restricted diet appear to live longer.

I'm thinking of the over-wintering bees and how they stay warm - by eating and metabolising honey. In a cold winter do they eat more to stay warm and die earlier (given ample food)?

Great forum by the way with some damn fine posts. What nice people you beekeeping lot are!

Thanks in advance for any answers.

Pete

 

[mbc]

Lifespan is more linked to why they eat than how much. They have a hypopharangeal gland which is used to produce brood food in the active season but is largely dormant over the wintering period and its this glands activity ( or lack of it ) coupled with hard work which governs worker bee lifespan