Nestmate recognition

Nestmate recognition is the process by which social insects, like ants or bees, identify members of their own colony. They do this through chemical cues, mainly specific odors on their bodies, which act like a colony fingerprint. When a worker encounters another insect, it compares its chemical signature to its own. If the cues match, the individual is accepted as a nestmate; if not, it may be rejected or identified as an intruder. This system helps colonies defend resources, maintain social order, and protect against parasites or outsiders.