Imho wrt Lethargic bees. Look for signs/symptoms or situation that points towards one of these:
- cold bees, damp bees
- malnourished bees
- sick bees
- demoralized bees, disorganized, aimless ... usually from being sick or hopelessly queenless for a long long time
Slow lethargic lazy bees in spring while other nearby hives are vigorous and busy would be a strong signal in my bee yard to sample that hive for nosema. The invisible silent killer. While waiting for sample results, as a field test I would also probably give them a spray bottle wetting of sugar water laced with honey bee healthy, then check again tomorrow to see if they have perked up. If perked up a day after the spray, that would be a fairly strong indicator that they are suffering from belly aches and will need some ongoing help to clear of it.
PS: There is a distinct difference between calm bees and lethargic. You used lethargic.
If they were healthy but just calm and very quiet, it could be that they were just content for the day. Particularly if it was cool outside and they were not feeling like they really needed to do any shopping. Stayed home watching a movie. Chillin.. ;)
Hope that helps!