Which type of bee is primarily responsible for releasing alarm pheromones?

The type of bee primarily responsible for releasing alarm pheromones is the guard bee. Guard bees are typically specialized worker bees that are stationed at the entrance of the hive. When they perceive a threat, such as an intruder or danger to the hive, they release alarm pheromones to alert and mobilize other bees in the colony.

These pheromones serve to communicate danger and can prompt other bees to become defensive, swarm, or prepare for potential conflict. This coordinated response enhances the hive's chances of protecting itself against predators or other threats. While worker bees in general contribute to many hive activities, it is specifically the guard bees that play a crucial role in the alarm response and releasing these pheromones.

Other types of bees, such as queen and drone bees, do not have this primary defensive function. The queen's role is mainly to reproduce, and drones are focused on mating, hence they do not engage in hive defense or utilize alarm signals in the same way guard bees do.