Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of drone honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica) of different ages were compared by gas chromatography. Chromatograms of drones from three different colonies were similar and, despite some variations, showed the same patterns as a function of age. We suggest that in addition to behavioural changes, the surface hydrocarbon pr<:>files of the drones might be used as a cue for the worker bees to discriminate between young and old individuals.
Keywords
honey bees, Apis mellifera carnica, drone honey bees, cuticle, gas chromatography, hydrocarbons, behaviour, age
