Nasonov

The Nasonov (alternatively, Nasanov) pheromone is released by worker bees to orient returning forager bees back to the colony. To broadcast this scent, bees raise their abdomens, which contain the Nasonov glands, and fan their wings vigorously.
In the Nasonov gland of A. mellifera, the Nasonov pheromone components include chemical compounds: (E) and (Z)-citral, neroI, geraniol, nerolic acid, geranic acid and (E,E)-farnesol. Bees use the pheromone to find the entrance to their colony or hive, and to mark flowers to let others know which have nectar.
A synthetically produced Nasonov pheromone can be used to attract a honey bee swarm to an unoccupied hive or a swarm-catching box. Synthetically produced Nasonov consists of citral and geraniol in a 2:1 ratio.
== References ==
Category:Apiology