What is a nuc in beekeeping?

A nuc, short for nucleus colony, is a small colony of bees that typically includes a queen, worker bees, and some brood (developing bees). Nucs are often used in beekeeping for various purposes, such as starting new colonies, requeening, or strengthening existing colonies. They serve as a manageable way for beekeepers to raise bees and can be transported easily, which is beneficial for various beekeeping practices. This definition highlights the fundamental role that a nuc plays in the beekeeping lifecycle, making it a vital component in a beekeeper's toolkit when managing bee populations.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of beekeeping or botany, but they do not accurately define what a nuc is. A type of flower may attract bees but does not pertain to the colony itself. A specific type of hive represents the structure in which bees live, not a colony. Lastly, tools for honey extraction are equipment used for harvesting honey rather than indicating the size or type of bee colony.