DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.1.4529
Review article
The role of alarm pheromone in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies
2026, 27 (1) p. 78-88
Abstract
The alarm pheromone of honey bees represents a crucial part of their social system and defense mechanisms. When confronted with a threat, worker bees release this chemical signal to alert other members of the community to the danger. The main component of this pheromone is isopentyl acetate, which is released from specialized glands near the stinger of the worker bee. In addition to isopentyl acetate, other compounds such as octyl acetate can enhance the effect of the alarm pheromone. Bees detect the pheromone using specific receptors on their antennae, enabling a rapid and coordinated reaction to danger. Once other bees detect the presence of this pheromone, they become agitated and undertake defensive actions to protect the nest. This may involve increased buzzing, formation of defensive clusters around the hive entrance, and readiness to fight. Besides serving as a warning against external threats, the alarm pheromone can also serve as a means of communication within the community. Worker bees can use this pheromone to inform other colony members of the need for defense or other urgent situations. Understanding the function of the alarm pheromone and the mechanisms of its action is crucial for studying the biology of honey bees. Researching this pheromone also provides deeper insights into the complex social interactions within the bee community and offers insight into the evolutionary processes that have shaped their behavior.
Keywords
alarm, honey bee colony, defense mechanism, Apis mellifera
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