What critical activity requires high energy reserves for a new, mated B. flavidus queen emerging from diapause?

Answer

Subduing or killing a host queen.

The initial phase following the spring emergence of a mated, new *Bombus flavidus* queen from diapause (hibernation) is characterized by an extremely high demand for energy reserves. This energy is critically needed to support high-speed travel between potential foraging sites and the energy-intensive, aggressive process of subduing or killing the resident host queen whose nascent colony she intends to usurp. This initial struggle for dominance and subsequent takeover dictates that the queen must maintain maximum physical capability, which is fueled directly by the nectar she collects immediately upon emergence. If these energy reserves are depleted, her entire reproductive attempt fails before it can even begin.

What critical activity requires high energy reserves for a new, mated B. flavidus queen emerging from diapause?

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