Nasonov pheromone

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Nasonov pheromone, also known as the "come-hither" pheromone, is a complex chemical signal produced by the Nasonov gland located at the tip of the abdomen in honey bees (Apis mellifera). This pheromone plays a crucial role in various social behaviors within the bee colony, including foraging, swarming, and hive relocation. It is named after the Russian zoologist Nikolai Viktorovich Nasonov, who first described the gland that produces this pheromone.

Composition

The Nasonov pheromone is a blend of several volatile compounds, including geraniol, nerolic acid, geranic acid, and citral. This unique combination of chemicals is responsible for its distinctive odor, which can be detected by other members of the bee colony. The composition of the pheromone can vary depending on the age of the bee, the colony's needs, and environmental factors.

Function

The primary function of the Nasonov pheromone is to serve as a homing signal for foraging bees. When a worker bee discovers a rich source of nectar or pollen, it will return to the hive and perform a waggle dance to communicate the location of the food source to other bees. Additionally, the forager may release the Nasonov pheromone to help guide her hive mates to the location.

During swarming, when a colony divides to form a new colony, the Nasonov pheromone is used to unify the swarm and assist in the selection of a new nest site. Bees at the potential site will release the pheromone to attract other members of the swarm to the location.

The Nasonov pheromone also plays a role in the process of hive relocation. When a colony needs to move to a new hive, scout bees will mark the entrance of the potential new home with the pheromone to guide the rest of the colony to the site.

Research and Applications

Research into the Nasonov pheromone has led to its use in beekeeping practices. Synthetic versions of the pheromone can be used to attract swarms to bait hives or to help integrate newly introduced bees into an existing colony. Understanding the role and composition of this pheromone is also crucial for studies on bee communication and behavior.

See Also

• Beekeeping
• Pheromone
• Apis mellifera
• Waggle dance