A “nuc” (short for nucleus colony) of honeybees refers to a small, complete colony used for starting new hives.  Here are some key aspects of a nuc:

1. Composition: A typical nuc contains a queen bee, worker bees, and a few drones. It usually has enough bees to maintain brood and gather resources but is smaller than a full-size hive.
2. Hive Structure: Nucs are often housed in a small, specially designed nucleus hive, which is typically a 4-frame or 5-frame box. This compact structure makes it easier to manage and transport.
3. Brood and Honey: A nuc will contain frames with young and developing brood (eggs, larvae, or pupae) as well as stored honey and pollen. This ensures that the colony has the resources it needs to survive and thrive immediately.
4. Advantages: Nucs are beneficial for beginner beekeepers, as they are easier to manage and install in full hives.  They can be considered a head start because of their makeup of bees, an accepted queen, eggs, larva, and capped brood.  A fully functioning “mini-hive!”

In summary, a nuc of honeybees serves as a practical and efficient way to start a new hive.  They can also be used to replace bees in a dead hive.