Social organization

Honey bee

1. Social or colonial insects2. Living in combs or nests3. Colonies are perennial 4. Exhibit polymorphism and division of labor5. Chemical pheromones and communicative dances are responsible for colony survival.6. Reproduction and colony strength depend on the queen.7. A.indica-50000-1,00,000 A.florea-4000-5000

Honey bee colonyAdults,eggs,larvae and pupae.Queen,drones,and workers

Reproductive caste

Queen-fertile adult femaleDrone-fertile adult male develops from an unfertilized egg.

Worker caste

Unmated adult females generally the daughters of queen.

CombIt consists of hexagonal cells made up of wax secreted by the worker bee.Upper portion-storage of honey and pollenLower portion-brood rearingIt contains aromatic substance such as nectar,pollen,bee glue, wax, hormonal secretions of larvae and adults,pheromonal secretionsOf the queen.

queen drone workerIt develops by feeding royal jelly throughout its development16 days Reproduction and pheromone secretion.Functional set of ovaries

One set of chromosomes24 days Main function is to fertilizethe virgin queen during her mating flight.Large eyes

Two sets of chromosomes21 daysFeed brood, receive nectar,clean hivePresence of pollen basket,bee wax producing glands,brood feeding glands.