What is the main purpose of pheromones produced by the queen bee?

The primary function of pheromones produced by the queen bee is to communicate the needs of the colony to the worker bees. These chemical signals enable the queen to exert control over the colony by conveying important information regarding its status and needs. For instance, when the queen is healthy and laying eggs, she produces specific pheromones that signal the workers to maintain the current population and support brood rearing. Conversely, if the queen’s health declines or her pheromone production decreases, the workers interpret this as a signal to prepare for supersedure or to consider raising a new queen.

This form of communication is vital for the social structure of bee colonies, ensuring that the workers perform necessary tasks such as foraging, caring for the brood, and maintaining hive conditions in response to the colony’s overall health and development. Thus, the queen’s pheromones play a crucial role in the dynamic interactions within the hive, enabling a cohesive and adaptable colony.