A comparison of 2-heptanone production in Africanized and European strains of the honeybee, Apis Mellifera L.

The pheromone, 2-heptanone, (2-H) was quantified in bee workers of different age, and in three groups of unknown age, each performing a given task in the hive. Africanized (AHB) and European (EHB) honeybee colonies were studied. Younger bees produced no 2-H or produced it at levels undetectable by the apparatus used. 2-H production increased with age. The amount did not differ significantly between AHB and EHB colonies. Foragers with pollen showed a higher 2-H concentration than foragers without pollen and guard bees. 2-H in AHB foragers with pollen differed significantly from that in EHB foragers.