What is the function of wax glands in worker bees?

The function of wax glands in worker bees is primarily to assist in building honeycomb. Worker bees possess specialized glands located on their abdomens that secrete wax in the form of small flakes. These wax scales are manipulated by the bees using their mandibles, allowing them to construct and shape the honeycomb structures where they will store honey, pollen, and raise their young.

When building honeycomb, the bees collect nectar and transform it into wax, which is a vital component of the comb structure. This comb serves multiple purposes, including storage of honey and pollen, and providing a space for brood rearing. The ability to produce wax is essential for the colony's survival, as it creates a type of storage for their food resources and nurturing areas for their larvae.

In contrast, the options related to enzymes for honey digestion, attracting mates, and storing pollen refer to other functions and body parts of bees that do not involve the wax glands. For example, enzymes for digestion are primarily produced in the honey stomach and salivary glands, while pollen storage is carried out in the corbiculae, or pollen baskets, located on the hind legs of worker bees. Mating behaviors are associated with drone bees and not the worker bees, which further