What is the function of the hypopharyngeal gland in bees?

The hypopharyngeal gland in bees is primarily responsible for secreting royal jelly, which is a special substance used to feed larvae and queens. This gland is particularly prominent in worker bees, especially those that are younger and are tasked with brood care. Royal jelly is crucial for the development of bee larvae, as it provides essential nutrients and growth factors. When a queen is being raised, the larvae are exclusively fed royal jelly, which promotes their development into fertile queens.

Other choices relate to different functions performed by various glands or activities within the hive. For instance, nectar is collected from flowers and processed by bees, but it is not produced by the hypopharyngeal gland. Hive temperature is regulated through behaviors such as wing beating and is not directly influenced by the hypopharyngeal gland’s secretion activities. Wax is produced by specialized glands on the abdomens of worker bees, which is completely separate from the function of the hypopharyngeal gland. Understanding these specific roles helps clarify why the hypopharyngeal gland’s primary function is the secretion of royal jelly.