What is the term for the high pitch noise a queen makes to attract another queen to fight?

The term for the high-pitched noise made by a queen bee to attract another queen for combat is known as "piping." This behavior is part of the natural process in which a new queen or an established queen communicates her presence and dominance to others in the hive. The piping sound serves as an alert to rival queens that they may be challenged, which often leads to confrontations as part of the competition for reproductive status within the colony.

Being able to identify and understand queen piping is essential for beekeepers, as it can indicate the presence of multiple queens and the potential for swarming or requeening events in the hive. This communication mechanism plays a crucial role in maintaining the hierarchy and structure of the bee colony.