cell cup

Definition

A small wax structure built by honeybees in which a queen may lay an egg, starting the formation of a new bee brood.

Etymology

Derived from 'cell,' referring to the hexagonal wax cells in a beehive, and 'cup,' referring to the cup-like shape of the structure.

Example

The worker bees prepared several cell cups in anticipation of the queen laying eggs.

Synonyms

• queen cup

Related Terms

• beehive
• bee brood
• wax cells
• queen cell

Usage Notes

Cell cups can develop into queen cells if the queen lays an egg in them and they receive special attention from worker bees.