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 produced from a special diet of royal jelly, which allows her to develop fully and become fertile. Worker bees care for her and the larvae, ensuring the colony remains healthy. If a queen dies or becomes unproductive, the bees will create a new queen to replace her.