A nucleus colony, or nuc, is essentially a smaller hive, sometimes in a smaller box, consisting of bees in all stages of development, as well as food, a laying queen, and enough workers to cover from three to five combs . When placed into a full-sized hive body and given supplemental feeding, the nuc usually expands rapidly into a strong colony.
Source: Nucleus colonies – Mid-Atlantic Apiculture Research and Extension Consortium (udel.edu)
