What is a primary characteristic of worker bees?

Worker bees are primarily responsible for nurturing larvae, which is a crucial role in the hive's development and sustainability. This task involves feeding the larvae with royal jelly, pollen, and honey, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrients to develop into healthy adult bees. Additionally, worker bees take care of other hive duties, including cleaning, foraging for food, and protecting the colony.

While worker bees do have many roles within the hive, their responsibility for larval care highlights their importance in the brood's success and the overall health of the bee population. This nurturing aspect is a defining characteristic that distinguishes worker bees from other castes, such as the queen or drones, each of which has specific reproductive or flight-related functions.