Pheromone Leads to Queen Bee’s Dominance

Scientists in New Zealand said that a special pheromone chemical released by queen honeybees ensures that its drone nurses are docile and compliant.

The Independent reported Friday that by releasing the aromatic chemical, the queen honeybee is able to keep control of its hive and suppress the aggressive tendencies of its young drones.

The research team from the University of Otago found that the queen releases chemicals from its mandibles and it is a compound called homovanillyl alcohol that enslaves its cohorts.

The newspaper said that while hive mentality is common in the insect world, this instance of chemical mind control is something entirely different.

The study also found that worker drones within the hive were able to overcome the chemical concoction as they matured and spent time outside the hive.

The researchers said that their study showed how by dominating the drones closer to it, the queen could ultimately ensure the colony’s survival through its oppressive ability.