A "queen bee" is the primary reproductive female in a honeybee colony. She is larger than the worker bees and is responsible for laying eggs, which can number in the thousands each day during peak seasons. The queen is vital for the colony's survival and growth, as her eggs develop into new bees that maintain the hive. The queen bee is typically raised from a special diet of royal jelly, which allows her to develop fully. Worker bees care for her and the hive, ensuring she is healthy and protected. If a queen dies or is removed, the colony can create a new queen from a young larva.