Why do honey bees reject their queen? The viral infection that leads to colony revolt
Honey bee colonies have a surprising way of ensuring survival. When a queen bee weakens due to virus infection, her pheromone signals decline. Worker bees sense this weakness and instinctively raise a new queen. This process, known as supersedure, is vital for the colony's continued reproduction and health. Understanding this natural behaviour helps beekeepers protect these essential pollinators.
Honey bee colonies have a surprising way of ensuring survival. When a queen bee weakens due to virus infection, her pheromone signals decline. Worker bees sense this weakness and instinctively raise a new queen. This process, known as supersedure, is vital for the colony's continued reproduction and health. Understanding this natural behaviour helps beekeepers protect these essential pollinators.
