Why do honey bees reject their queen? The viral infection that leads to colony revolt

Honey bee colonies have a surprising way of ensuring survival. When a queen bee weakens due to virus infection, her pheromone signals decline. Worker bees sense this weakness and instinctively raise a new queen. This process, known as supersedure, is vital for the colony's continued reproduction and health. Understanding this natural behaviour helps beekeepers protect these essential pollinators.

Why do honey bees reject their queen? The viral infection that leads to colony revolt
Honey bee colonies have a surprising way of ensuring survival. When a queen bee weakens due to virus infection, her pheromone signals decline. Worker bees sense this weakness and instinctively raise a new queen. This process, known as supersedure, is vital for the colony's continued reproduction and health. Understanding this natural behaviour helps beekeepers protect these essential pollinators.