A queen bee can survive without food for several days, typically around 3 to 5 days, depending on the ambient conditions and her physical state.
Queen bees are highly reliant on their worker bees for sustenance. They are primarily fed a diet of royal jelly, which is a nutrient-rich secretion from the worker bees. In situations where food is scarce or the queen is isolated from her colony, she must rely on her body’s reserves.
During fasting, the queen’s metabolism slows down, which helps her to conserve energy. However, extended periods without food can weaken her significantly, affecting her ability to lay eggs and maintain the hive’s population.
In conclusion, while a queen bee can endure a short period of fasting, her health and the overall health of the hive depend heavily on the availability of food and the support of her worker bees.