Which bees are responsible for transferring nectar back to the hive?

The correct answer identifies foraging bees as the ones responsible for transferring nectar back to the hive. Foraging bees are specifically those worker bees that leave the hive to gather nectar, pollen, and other resources needed for the colony's survival. Their training and role involve navigating to flowering plants, collecting nectar, and then returning to the hive where they share the collected nectar with other members.

Once back at the hive, foraging bees transfer the nectar to their hive mates, who help process it into honey by evaporating excess moisture and adding enzymes. This critical process is essential for food storage, ensuring the colony has sufficient supplies, especially during times when foraging is not possible, such as winter.

Queen bees are focused on reproduction and do not participate in foraging or nectar collection, while drone bees mainly exist for mating purposes and do not forage. Worker bees, while they do include foraging bees, also encompass other roles within the hive, such as brood care and hive maintenance, making them a broader category rather than focusing solely on nectar collection. Therefore, foraging bees are the specific group fulfilling the role of transferring nectar back to the hive.