Spotlight on the Worker
Let's examine the activities of the altruistic workers in greater detail. After
the workers have constructed a hive of waterproof honeycomb(made from beeswax),
the queen begins to lay eggs in the first cells. While some workers embellish the
hive, other workers fly out in search of nectar and pollen. With their long
tongues they gather nectar and use their hind legs to carry pollen from flowers.
They fly back directly to the hive and then dance around the honeycomb, their
movements indicating the direction of the flowers. Meanwhile, some workers have
been cleaning the cells, caring the young, and guarding the precious cache of
nectar. A special coterie is entrusted with heating and cooling the hive.
Dedicated to the queen and the entire insect community, all of the workers
display a complete absence of cupidity.


to make bricks without straw--My uncle's business schemes always fail 
because he tries to make bricks without straw.
(to attempt to do  something without having the necessary materials)