Honeybee Queen Development Influenced by Complex Nursery Environment, Not Just Diet

New research published in Nature challenges the long-held belief that royal jelly is the sole determinant in the development of a honeybee queen. The study reveals that worker bees construct specialized "royal cribs" with specific conditions, including custom wax and warmer temperatures. This discovery highlights a more intricate process involving dedicated attendants and a previously unrecognized class of "queen cell builders."