What is the primary purpose of nectar for bees?

Nectar serves as a critical food source for bees, providing them with the carbohydrates needed to sustain their energy levels, particularly for foraging and hive maintenance activities. When bees collect nectar from flowers, they convert it into honey through a process involving enzymatic breakdown and evaporation. This honey not only acts as a primary energy source for adult bees but also serves as food for developing larvae. Therefore, the primary purpose of nectar is indeed feeding, as it supports the nutritional needs of the entire bee colony, ensuring their survival and productivity.

In this context, while nectar collection contributes to other aspects of bee life, such as pollination in the process of foraging, and indirectly supports hive building through the storage of honey, its main function is primarily related to feeding bees and ensuring they meet their energy requirements.