What role does royal jelly play in a bee's development?

Royal jelly serves as a crucial food source for all bee larvae, but its significance is especially pronounced for queen bees. This unique substance is secreted by nurse bees and is rich in nutrients, which is essential for the growth and development of bee larvae during the first few days of their lives.

All larvae receive some royal jelly, but the larvae that are destined to become queens are fed exclusively on royal jelly throughout their development. This diet is what allows them to grow larger and develop the reproductive organs necessary for their role in the hive. As a result, this special feeding is pivotal in differentiating queen bees from workers, enabling the formation of a functional reproductive hierarchy in the colony.

The role of royal jelly is not primarily focused on the prevention of diseases, stimulating swarming, or being the main food for adult bees. Instead, its specialized function in the developmental stage of larvae, particularly in shaping the future queen, underscores its importance in maintaining the colony's structure and productivity.