Queen pheromones

Queen pheromones are chemical substances secreted by a queen bee or ant that influence the behavior and physiology of other colony members. These pheromones help maintain social structure, signaling the queen's presence and health, which in turn regulates reproduction and the workers' activities. For example, in honeybee colonies, the queen's pheromones prevent worker bees from developing their ovaries, ensuring that she is the primary egg-laying individual. This chemical communication is crucial for the colony's cohesion, productivity, and overall survival, as it helps coordinate worker behavior and maintain the colony's hierarchy.