The inner rot...

"We were a thriving colony, having settled here about three years ago. Nestled in a well-protected location surrounded by lush foliage and trees, with nearby gardens providing ample flowers for sustenance, we were flourishing at an almost overwhelming pace. At times, I thought the growth was too rapid for my liking, but the queen mother was content, and the colony saw an influx of new workers and drones. 

The period from September to December was particularly bustling, marked by the addition of numerous new members. As a worker, these were busy days – foraging for enough food and tending to the needs of the newcomers. Yet, it was all worthwhile. We were a united community, and our lives revolved around the queen mother.

 

One late afternoon, disaster struck. Commotion and smoke filled the air as the hive was violently dismantled by the massive hands of a human being. Many of my companions perished. I was one of the fortunate few who managed to escape alongside our queen and the drones protecting her. In those moments, I believed our lives were over, mirroring the fate of our fallen friends. However, life took an unexpected turn.

 

In a matter of days, we found ourselves back in the same location, thriving and growing even faster, almost with a sense of determination. The colony doubled in size, and although the threat of inhumane humans lingered, we were focused on living our lives. The community thrived, and a sense of purpose permeated our existence.

 

Yet, as the middle of the year approached, an ominous change occurred. Many of my companions began to perish one by one. The colony started to shrink, with few able to forage for nutrients and no new workers being produced. Once again, I found myself among the survivors, and this time, I decided it was time to move on. The once-thriving colony had transformed into a haunting image etched in my mind – from a lively community, we had become a lifeless, "waxified" tomb.

 

I couldn't help but wonder: What had gone wrong?"

 

Bee growing experts say, death of a colony in summer/spring or fall are usually due to an inner destruction of the colony due to  few reasons. Colony collapse disorder (CCD) an abnormal phenomenon that occurs when the majority of worker bees in a bee colony disappear, leaving behind a queen, plenty of food, and a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees. Varroa mites and viruses are the currently the high-profile suspects in collapsing bee colonies. The other is death of the queen. 

 

An implosion due to death of the life giving queen or inner rot due to infestation with mites and associated viral infection. (After surviving the onslaught of an external enemy)

Much to learn for life, from nature…

 

Edited by ChatGPT