Grooming behaviors and the translocation of queen mandibular gland pheromone on worker honey bees (Apis mellifera L)

Abstract

Self-grooming resulted in the translocation of synthetic queen mandibular gland pheromone from the mouthparts and head to the abdomen of honey bee workers. This study provides evidence for an active mechanism of pheromone movement on invididual social insects, and suggests that these behaviours play a significant role in the queen's communication with her workers. -from Author