Honeybee's (Apis mellifera) ground Nest. HABITAT: Fields, orchards. SEASON: April-October. When a Queen Bee decides to start a nest usually its in an enclosed cavity but sometimes she decided to colonize it near the ground. The honey bee is a social insect that can only survive as a member of a community or colony. Worker bees are the most numerous members of the colony. A healthy colony may contain 80,000 worker bees or more at its peak growth in early summer. Workers build and maintain the nest and care for the brood. They build the nest from wax secreted from glands in their abdomen. When the nest or hive becomes too hot the workers collectively ventilate it by fanning their wings. During cool weather, they cluster tightly about the nursery and generate heat. Belchertown, MA. USA.