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Surprising New Insights into Brood Nest Temperatures from Dr. Debnam
- Tamila Morgan
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
We’re excited to share some big news—Dr. Scott Debnam, co-owner of The Beekeepers Academy, has just been published in the Journal of Apicultural Research. His new paper sheds light on something that’s often taken for granted in beekeeping: how warm the brood nest really is—and how that warmth is distributed.
The study is titled: “Honey bee eggs, larvae, pupating juveniles, and pupae develop at slightly different temperatures and are all warmer than the brood nest.”
This isn’t just academic—it’s practical. The findings suggest that the commonly accepted range of 33–35°C for brood nest temperature is only part of the story.
What the Study Found
Eggs: ~36.1°C Larvae: ~36.2°C Pupating Juveniles: ~35.9°C Pupae: ~35.8°C
All of these are slightly warmer than the surrounding nest environment. That means bees are doing something highly sophisticated: fine-tuning the temperature of individual cells.
The Unsung Heroes: Heater Bees
Dr. Debnam’s study also highlights the role of “heater bees”—worker bees that generate heat by vibrating their thoracic muscles. These bees aren’t just warming the hive—they’re targeting specific brood cells to provide the exact temperature needed for that stage of development. It’s a fascinating glimpse into how bees manage conditions inside the hive with more precision than most of us realize.
Why This Matters to Beekeepers
If you’re raising queens, understanding temperature differences at each stage could inform your setup. When evaluating colony performance, remember that healthy brood development depends on more than just food and genetics—it depends on precise thermal care.
Energy Isn’t Cheap
One of the most eye-opening takeaways? Regulating these temperatures requires a major energy investment. The study estimates colonies use about 43.7 kg of honey per year just to maintain proper brood temperatures.That’s nearly half the annual energy budget for the hive—dedicated to raising the next generation.
Science Meets Practice
At The Beekeepers Academy, we’re proud to combine solid science with hands-on beekeeping. Dr. Debnam’s work gives all of us a deeper understanding of the hive’s inner workings—and helps inform the way we teach, raise queens, and manage colonies.
