What are honey bee pheromones primarily used for?

Honey bee pheromones are primarily used for communication within the colony. These chemical signals enable bees to relay critical information to one another regarding various aspects of their social structure, behavior, and environment. For example, the queen produces certain pheromones that signal her presence and reproductive status, helping to maintain colony cohesion. Worker bees also use pheromones to indicate the presence of danger, guide foragers to food sources, and coordinate activities such as foraging and brood care.

This communication system is vital for the colony’s survival and efficiency, ensuring that all members are synchronized in their activities and alert to any threats or changes in their environment. While pheromones can influence behavior related to food sources and contribute to other functions in the hive, their primary role is the intricate communication among the bees that solidifies the colony's social structure and functioning.