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The Benefits of Pollen to Honey Bees

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Release Date: 11/19/2020

Reviewed At: 9/30/2026

DOI: 10.32473/EDIS-in868-2010

Agriculture

Abstract

The honey bee's basic nutritional requirements are similar to those of humans; namely, they need proteins (amino acids), carbohydrates (sugars), minerals, fats/lipids (fatty acids), vitamins, and water. In order to meet their nutritional requirements, honey bees collect nectar, pollen, and water.

About this Publication

This document is ENY152, one of a series of the UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology. Original publication date September 2010. Revised March 2020. Visit the Ask IFAS website at https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/ for the currently supported version of this publication.

How to Cite

Ellis, A., Ellis, J. D., O’Malley, M., & Zettel Nalen, C. M. (2010). Benefits of Pollen to Honey Bees. EDIS, 2010(6). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-in868-2010

Authors

Amanda Ellis
Amanda Ellis
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FDACS

formerly of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

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Jamie Ellis
Jamie Ellis

former Gahan endowed professor, apiculture, Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology

Michael O'Malley
Michael O'Malley

former Extension assistant, UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology, Gainesville, FL

Catherine Zettel Nalen
Catherine Zettel Nalen
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University of Florida

former Extension technician, Honey Bee Research & Extension Laboratory, Department of Entomology and Nematology

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Contacts

Amy Vu
Amy Vu
Contact
Specialist
University of Florida

state specialized program Extension agent II, apiculture, Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, Department of Entomology and Nematology

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