INTERFAMILY VARIATION IN COMB WAX HYDROCARBONS PRODUCED BY HONEY-BEES

The hydrocarbons of honeybee comb wax vary significantly between colon ies. This variation is explained in part by genetic (familial) differe nces among colonies. Even though significant differences in wax hydroc arbons exist among families, there is a high level of consistency with in and among families in a correlation analysis, indicating structural constancy in comb wax. The significance of these results in interpret ing the potential role of comb wax in the nestmate recognition system of the honeybee is discussed.