In addition to laying eggs, what is another main function of a queen bee?

The primary function of the queen bee, beyond laying eggs, is indeed the production of pheromones. These chemical signals play a crucial role in the hive's social structure and communication among the bees. The queen produces over 300 different pheromones that serve multiple purposes, such as signaling her presence to the worker bees, inhibiting the development of ovaries in worker bees, and even attracting drones during mating. This pheromonal communication is essential for maintaining colony cohesion and regulating various activities within the hive.

In contrast, other roles such as scouting for nectar sources, collecting pollen, or building the hive structure fall under the responsibilities of the worker bees. Worker bees are the ones who forage, collect resources, and maintain the hive, while the queen's function is primarily centered around reproduction and chemical communication.