Queen substance

Definition

A multi-functional pheromone secreted by the mandibular glands of a mated honey bee queen (Apis mellifera), composed primarily of 9-ODA (9-oxodec-2-enoic acid) and related compounds. Within the colony, it acts as a primer pheromone that suppresses ovary development in workers, inhibits queen cell construction, and stabilizes the retinue behavior of attendant workers. When released during the nuptial flight, it functions as a sex attractant to draw drones for mating.

Etymology

Example

When a beekeeper removes the queen from a hive, the rapid decline of queen substance circulating among workers triggers emergency queen rearing, with workers selecting young larvae to rear in specially constructed queen cells.

Synonyms

• queen pheromone
• queen retinue pheromone
• QRP

Related Terms

• pheromone
• Mandibular glands
• Primer pheromone
• Retinue behavior
• nuptial flight
• gyne
• Drone

Usage Notes

Strictly speaking, 'queen substance' originally referred specifically to 9-ODA and its anti-ovarian effects in workers, though usage has broadened to encompass the full mandibular gland pheromone blend. Specialists increasingly distinguish between 'queen retinue pheromone' (attracting worker attention) and 'queen substance' (suppressing worker reproduction). The term is honey bee–specific; analogous pheromones in other social insects (e.g., ants, wasps, termites) are typically called 'queen pheromones' without the specific historical label.