In mobile ad hoc networks, topology changes very frequently due to node's mobility. Frequent change in topology increases traffic signaling that may arise energy and scalability issue. Cluster-based routing is the energy-efficient technique in mobile ad hoc networks to address the scalability issue and to minimize control messages. In this article, honey bee algorithm is used for dividing the mobile ad hoc network nodes into different clusters. The bees work to gather in groups to perform their activities. The proposed honey bee algorithm-based clustering forms clusters in an efficient manner with fewer resources such as energy and bandwidth utilization. A node is selected as cluster head based on node degree, neighbor's behavior, mobility direction, mobility speed, and remaining energy. Due to the efficient nature of bees and maximum parameter's consideration, the proposed technique inspired from the foraging behavior of honey bees gives efficient and stable cluster formation. The control message overhead is also avoided. The work is validated mathematically, and simulation has been performed for different scenarios. Simulation results are compared with existing clustering schemes. The simulation results show that the honey bee algorithm-based clustering technique used for clustering outperforms the existing schemes under consideration.