Variation in JH synthesis rate in mature honeybees and its possible role in reprogramming of hypopharyngeal gland function

Juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis was higher in followers than in dancers, wh ich suggests that higher JH levels in followers might be an internal motiva tional stimulus to induce them to leave the hive to search for food. The po sitive correlation of in vitro JH synthesis rate and a-glucosidase activity in the hypopharyngeal gland suggests that JH is involved in the reprogramm ing of the hypopharyngeal gland from producing larval food (immature adults ) to production of cc-glucosidase in mature adults.