When does a queen typically mate?

A queen bee typically mates during her mating flight, which usually occurs shortly after she emerges as an adult but before she starts laying eggs. This flight generally takes place within the first few weeks of her life. During this time, she will fly out of the hive to meet drones, which are male bees, and mate with several of them to collect and store sperm for fertilizing her eggs.

Choosing to mate during this flight is crucial as it ensures the genetic diversity of the colony, enhancing its resilience and adaptability. The other options suggest circumstances that do not align with the natural behavior of a queen. For instance, mating immediately after hatching would not allow time for her to develop the necessary flight skills and attract drones. Mating during winter dormancy is infeasible because bees do not fly during cold months. Lastly, although establishing a colony is essential for a queen's role, it happens after mating has already occurred. Thus, mating flights are integral to the reproductive cycle of a queen bee and ensure the colony's future success.