Sub-cell scale features govern the placement of new cells by honeybees during comb construction

Abstract

Honeybee comb architecture and the manner of its construction have long been the subject of scientific curiosity. Comb is characterised by an even hexagonal layout and the sharing of cell bases and side walls, which provides maximised storage volume while requiring minimal wax. The efficiency of this structure relies on a regular layout and the correct positioning of cells relative to each other, with each new cell placed at the junction of two previously constructed cells. This task is complicated by the incomplete nature of cells at the edge of comb, where new cells are to be built. We presented bees with wax stimuli comprising shallow depressions and protuberances in simulation of features found within partially formed comb, and demonstrated that construction work by honeybee builders was influenced by these stimuli. The building of new cells was aligned to concave stimuli that simulated the clefts that naturally appear between two partially formed cells, revealing how new cells may be aligned to ensure proper tessellation within comb. We also found that bees built cell walls in response to edges formed by our stimuli, suggesting that cell and wall construction was specifically directed towards the locations necessary for continuation of hexagonal comb.

Honey bees perform fine-scale detailing that continuously reduces comb area after nest expansion

“…As workers construct cell walls from the wax base, they maintain a border of unshaped wax along the outer edge of the comb (Franklin et al, 2022). This “leading edge” is visible in combs that are actively being built, and serves as a growth front where workers can deposit wax and shape it into new hexagonal cells (Casteel 1912; Franklin et al 2022; Gallo et al 2023).…”