What substance do honey bees produce as brood food?

Honey bees produce royal jelly as brood food, specifically for the larvae and developing queen. This substance is a highly nutritious secretion from the hypopharyngeal glands of worker bees. Royal jelly is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for the growth and development of bee larvae. It is exclusively fed to queen larvae, enabling them to develop into fertile adult queens, while worker larvae typically receive a diet that includes both royal jelly and pollen. This diet helps ensure the health and productivity of the colony.

Nectar serves primarily as an energy source for adult bees and fuel for honey production, while pollen provides protein for adult bees but is not utilized as brood food in the same manner as royal jelly. Propolis, on the other hand, is a resinous substance used by bees for sealing gaps and maintaining hive hygiene, but it does not function as nutrition for the brood. Thus, royal jelly stands out as the specific and essential brood food produced by honey bees.