Variation in the Components of Head Extracts of Workers and Queens of Apis mellifera intermissa Buttel-Reepen

Abstract

Quantitative analysis of nine major components of the head extracts of workers and queens of Apis mellifera intermissa was carried out. Queen and worker component patterns were distinct. The patterns of both castes changed with age, and the worker patterns were also affected by being reared in the absence of a queen. The genetic variance of the component composition of the extracts was found to be higher in the queens than the workers. This may have functional significance in the recognition by workers of their own queen. © 1989, Verlag der Zeitschrift. All rights reserved.