How many times do drones typically mate, and what happens afterward?

Drones typically mate only once, and this mating ritual has significant consequences. During the mating process, the drone transfers sperm to the queen, and this rapid, high-stakes event leads to their death shortly afterward. This is a crucial aspect of their life cycle, as the drone's sole purpose is to mate and ensure the genetic continuation of the hive.

In the context of honey bee reproduction, once a drone has successfully mated with a queen, it is biologically engineered to experience a catastrophic outcome. The act of mating involves the drone's endophallus becoming detached, leading to its demise. This evolutionary trait underscores the importance of genetic diversity within the hive, as the process involves a singular yet pivotal event aimed at ensuring the longevity and health of the colony through the queen's stored sperm for future use.

As for the other answer choices, they misrepresent the biological realities of the drone's mating process and its post-mating lifespan. Drones do not continue to live normally after mating; rather, their life is sacrificed for the continuation of the hive's lineage.