Honeybees, as well as many other animals, produce and respond to a variety of chemical cues, the roles of only a fraction of which research has so far elucidated.



There has been much speculation over the years of the exact purpose of 2-heptanone in honeybee biology and it may have other functions which have, as yet, not been defined. However, it is evident, from our research at the University of Thessaloniki, that 2-heptanone is not an alarm pheromone of honeybees. 



We present substantial evidence for the role of 2-heptanone as a defensive substance of honeybees, released when honeybees bite and having the effect of anaesthetisation or even killing of pests invading the hive. This is clear from our research.



2-heptanone therefore has a major role in defense, in honeybee biology and having shown this, it allows for a more detailed study and interpretation of other aspects of honeybee behaviour.





Max



Dr Max Watkins

Director

Vita (Europe) Limited



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