Which group of bees can tolerate fluctuations in temperature?

Adult bees are the group that can tolerate fluctuations in temperature. This is largely due to their role within the hive and their physiological adaptations. Adult bees are capable of regulating the temperature of the hive through behaviors such as clustering together when it's cold to generate heat and fanning their wings to cool the hive when temperatures rise.

In contrast, brood, which consists of the developing larvae and pupae, is more sensitive to temperature variations. The brood's health and development depend on a stable, warm environment, as they require consistent warmth for proper growth and maturation. Worker bees, while they have some ability to manage temperature within the hive, primarily engage in activities related to foraging and hive maintenance rather than directly regulating temperature. Drone bees also are less involved in maintaining hive temperature and are often more dependent on environmental conditions.

Thus, adult bees play a vital role in temperature regulation within the hive, showcasing their resilience to fluctuations in temperature compared to the other groups.