Queen cell architecture shapes honey bee queen development (opens in new tab)

Nest architecture in social insects is often viewed as a static structural component providing shelter or storage1. However, the extent to which these constructed environments actively shape biological traits remains poorly understood. Although the genetic and nutritional drivers of honey bee caste determination are well established2–4, the role for specialized queen cells has largely been attributed to spatial or structural factors, overlooking the influence of the physicochemical microenvir...