Introduction to Queens in Insect Societies

The role of queens in insect societies is a fascinating subject, particularly in ant colonies and bee hives. Unlike the common conception of a queen as a ruler, the queen's primary function is to produce offspring. In both ants and bees, a queen is a fertile female, distinct from the infertile workers, which in bees are also all female. An ant colony's survival hinges on its ability to replace the queen if she dies, while a honeybee colony's fortune is tied to the health and fecundity of its queen.

Understanding Ant Queens

Ant 'queens' are termed so due to their role in reproduction, not their position of rule. Unlike the female ants (workers), the queen ants do not lead the colony. Her duties center around mating and laying eggs after acquiring a mate. Ant colonies without a queen will cease to reproduce, and eventually, die off. Interestingly, some information remains unclear, such as whether ants can naturally replace queens.

Typical Events and Phases When a Bee Hive Needs a New Queen

Bee hives, like ant colonies, face the challenge of needing a new queen when the old one dies. A number of triggers can prompt the worker bees to prepare for the creation of a new queen:

The unforeseen death of the current queen The old age and declining health of the current queen Overcrowding in the hive, prompting the colony to prepare for swarming

Once the worker bees recognize the need for a new queen, they will concentrate on a few existing 1-2 day-old eggs. The selected eggs are then exclusively fed 'Royal Jelly,' a special secretion made by the workers, rather than the normal nectar and pollen. Without this special diet, these eggs would develop into regular workers instead.

The Process of Rearing a New Queen Bee

The process of rearing a new queen is referred to as 'queen rearing.' Inside the hive, these special eggs are enclosed in elongated, cucumber-like cells. Within about 15 days, one of these cells will hatch into a new queen bee. In her early days, the new queen is treated with indifference by the worker bees. She has a distinctive appearance, characterized by an elongated abdomen and a coloration that is more pink than other members of the colony.

Within a few weeks, the newly hatched queen bee begins her mating flights. Typically, this happens within 15 days of her emergence. During these flights, she mates with multiple drones (male bees), which unfortunately results in the death of the drones as they fulfill their sole purpose in life through mating. These mating flights are the only time the queen leaves her hive during her entire lifespan, which can average between 1 and 2 years.

The Role of the New Queen in Bee Hives

Once the queen has mated, she retires to the hive to begin her primary role: laying eggs. The worker bees selflessly protect the queen, who is vital to the colony's continuation. The workers will risk their lives to protect the queen from any harm.

Beekeeping and antkeeping are fascinating fields of study. For those interested in learning more, E. O. Wilson's 'Tales from the Ant World' is highly recommended. Wilson is a renowned entomologist and author who delves deep into these insects' behaviors and survival strategies.