Why Honey Bees Overthrow Their Queen
UBC research shows how queen viral infections disrupt colony stability and identifies a key pheromone that could help maintain cohesive, productive hives.
The process of overthrowing a queen, known as supersedure, occurs when worker bees sense their queen is no longer laying enough eggs and coordinate to replace her with a new, healthier queen.
This survival strategy helps wild colonies adapt, but it can spell trouble for managed hives, leading to gaps in egg-laying, weaker colony populations, and ultimately less pollinating and honey production.
A once-powerful monarch, weakened by illness, is overthrown by her previously loyal subjects.
Research highlights the importance of understanding the complexities of honey bee colonies to maintain their health and productivity.
Author's summary: Honey bees overthrow their queen due to health issues.