Worker Bees Detect Illness in Their Queen
Honey bee colonies run like a well-oiled machine—until the queen gets sick. Recent research reveals that worker bees can sense viral infections in their queen through changes in her pheromone. This isn’t just a minor issue; the queen’s entire reign depends on her ability to communicate her health and fertility using these chemical signals.
A Sick Queen Faces a Revolt
When the queen is infected by a virus, her pheromones change. The workers pick up on this right away. Instead of rallying around their leader, they turn against her. In many cases, the colony replaces the ailing queen to protect the hive’s future. Talk about workplace drama—imagine getting voted out by your own team just because you caught a cold!
This fascinating discovery sheds light on the sophisticated ways honey bees protect their colony. Their ability to detect illness and take action might be ruthless, but it’s also pretty inspiring. In the world of bees, there’s no room for a sick day—just a swift regime change.
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