The influence of age and task specialization on the production and perception of honey bee pheromones

The production and perception of honey bee pheromones were studied in workers of different ages and task specializations. Electroantennogram responses increased to a maximum by days 6–12 and no differences were seen between bees performing different tasks. Levels of production of isopentyl acetate, octyl acetate, ( E)-2-octenyl acetate, butyl acetate, and hexyl acetate increased with age to maximal levels at days 30–40. Production of 2-nonanol, 2-nonyl acetate, benzyl acetate, and benzyl alcohol differed from the above compounds, with most workers producing very low levels and a few producing very high levels. When examined by task specialization, foragers produced higher levels of benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, and 2-nonanol than guards, fanners, or comb bees respectively.