What is the main role of the Dufour gland?

The Dufour gland is a specialized gland found in female bees, playing a crucial role primarily in defense and reproduction. Its secretions can serve as a pheromone, which helps to communicate with other members of the colony, signaling alarm or indicating the queen's presence. In terms of reproductive roles, the Dufour gland’s substances are used in the marking and attraction of mates, aiding in reproductive behaviors and the establishment of social order within the hive. This gland's multifaceted functions underscore its importance in maintaining the social structure and safety of the bee colony.

The other roles listed, such as nectar storage, honey production, and pollination, are performed by different structures and processes within the bee's anatomy and behavior, including the crop for nectar storage and the specialized glands in the worker bees for honey production. Pollination is primarily carried out as bees collect nectar and pollen, but it is not specifically linked to the Dufour gland.