pollen

Typically less than 200 μm in size (or your smallest honey filter).
Shape and structure vary by plant species.
Varies in protein content, thus nutritive value.
A tough outer wall (exine) protects the genetic material from heat, UV, and other environmental factors.

Principal source of protein, fat, and minerals for the colony.
Pollen is required for rearing brood of all castes, drone, worker and queen.
Required for development of the hypopharyngeal (nurse bees) and sting (guard bees) glands.
Essential for growth, development, and repair.

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)

Pollen of Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) at 100x (left) and 400x (right) magnification.

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Floral constancy

If you see a honey bee moving from flower to flower of the same species, you are witnessing a behavior described by Aristotle over two thousand years ago. Honey bees establish floral constancy after visiting a flower that provides a valuable resource, be it nectar or pollen. This constancy is revealed through brilliantly colored pollen pellets, collected to satisfy the protein requirements of the hive, and highly desirable monofloral honeys, such as sourwood derived from the nectar of a single species.

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