How do queens store sperm after mating?

Queens store sperm after mating in a specialized structure known as the spermatheca. This is a sac-like organ located within the queen's abdomen, specifically designed for the storage of sperm received during mating flights. The spermatheca allows the queen to retain viable sperm for several years, which enables her to fertilize eggs over her lifetime without needing to mate again. The structure ensures that the stored sperm remains viable and can be used to fertilize eggs as the queen lays them throughout her reproductive period. This mechanism is crucial for the reproductive success of the colony, as it allows for a steady supply of fertilized eggs. In contrast, the other options do not play a role in sperm storage: the venom gland is associated with the production of venom for defense, the ovaries are involved in egg production rather than sperm storage, and the venom sac is specifically used to hold venom, not sperm.