Nasonov's gland

Nasonov's gland is a specialized exocrine gland found in honey bees (Apis species). This gland is unique to the honey bee family and plays a crucial role in various aspects of their social behavior, including foraging, swarming, and colony relocation. The Nasonov's gland is located at the tip of the abdomen, between the tergites and the sternites of the last abdominal segments.

Function

The primary function of the Nasonov's gland is to release pheromones, which are chemical signals that affect the behavior or physiology of other members of the bee colony. These pheromones serve multiple purposes:

• Attraction: When foraging bees find a source of food, they release pheromones from the Nasonov's gland to attract other bees to the location. This helps the colony efficiently exploit food resources.
• Swarming: During the swarming process, when a colony divides to form a new colony, the Nasonov's gland pheromones help keep the swarm together and guide them to the new nesting site.
• Homing: Bees use the pheromones to mark the entrance of their hive, aiding in the navigation of returning foragers.

Composition

The pheromones produced by the Nasonov's gland are a complex mixture of volatile compounds. These include geraniol, nerolic acid, geranic acid, and farnesol, among others. The specific composition of the pheromone can vary depending on the bee's age, the colony's needs, and environmental factors.

Research and Applications

Research into the Nasonov's gland and its pheromones has applications in beekeeping and agriculture. By understanding how these pheromones influence bee behavior, beekeepers can develop strategies to manage their hives more effectively, such as improving pollination efficiency or controlling swarming behavior. Additionally, synthetic versions of these pheromones are used in lures to attract bees to specific areas or to trap swarms.

See Also

• Pheromone
• Exocrine gland
• Honey bee behavior
• Beekeeping