What behavior do bees exhibit to alert others to danger?

Bees alert their colony to danger primarily by releasing alarm pheromones. These chemical signals are produced by certain glands in the bee's body and are emitted into the environment when a bee senses a threat, such as an intruder or other perceived danger. When these pheromones are released, they trigger a response in other bees, causing them to become more alert and potentially aggressive. This behavioral response plays a crucial role in the defense of the hive, as it helps quickly mobilize the colony to protect itself.

The other behaviors listed, such as flying in circles, hoarding nectar, or building up wax, do not serve the same purpose of alerting the colony to danger. Flying in circles might be a confused response or a part of other processes, while hoarding nectar is related to resource gathering, and building wax pertains to constructing and maintaining the hive rather than responding to threats. Thus, the release of alarm pheromones is a key defensive tactic utilized by bees.