Science updates: Honey bees can evict drones of low quality

 

Science updates:

Honey bees can evict drones of low quality

 

This research paper delves into the evaluation of honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies and the eviction of drones of low quality. The study addresses the question of whether non-reproductive workers evaluate the quality of male reproductives, by investigating the response of colonies to immune-challenged drones. The findings reveal that an immune challenge causes changes in the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of drones and reduces their body mass, leading to the selective eviction of small and immune-challenged drones by workers. This study sheds light on a new example of social immunity expressed against adult males and worker involvement in reproductive decisions, emphasizing the additional layer of scrutiny that eusocial males undergo prior to mating, mediated by the non-reproductive worker caste.

 

Throughout the paper, the authors explore the concept of reproductive quality advertisement across the animal kingdom, highlighting the significance of males advertising their quality to potential mates. The document also discusses how social species interact with related nestmates and assess the quality of their reproductive nestmates. Furthermore, the paper delves into the investment of resources required to rear and maintain drones, shedding light on the factors that contribute to drone eviction rates. The study also explores the potential signals used by workers to detect and evict low-quality drones, suggesting that body mass could be a predictive factor, as heavier drones are associated with higher reproductive quality.

 

 

Additionally, the research highlights the role of social immunity in honey bees and the ability of workers to detect and evict low-quality drones. It also touches upon the challenges of using CHC profiles as a signal for worker-worker communication and its potential implications for drone evaluation. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics within honey bee colonies and the factors influencing the evaluation and eviction of drones, thereby providing valuable insights into the reproductive decisions of eusocial species.

 

 

In conclusion, the study provides significant insights into the evaluation and eviction of low-quality drones by honey bee colonies, shedding light on the role of social immunity and worker involvement in reproductive decisions. The findings underscore the importance of body mass as a potential signal for worker evaluation and the limitations of using CHC profiles for drone assessment. Overall, this research significantly contributes to our understanding of the intricate social dynamics within honey bee colonies and the mechanisms governing reproductive quality evaluation.

 

 

Reference:

Gilchrist, I. R., Nixon, J. M., Shultz, R. R., Ginzel, M. D., & Harpur, B. A. (2024). To house or oust: Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colonies can evaluate and evict drones of low quality. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 78(4), 1-11.

 

 

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