A worker honey bee fans air over the exposed Nasonov gland near the tip of her abdomen. The orientation pheromones produced by the gland help other bees orient to the colony. 

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A worker honey bee fans air over the exposed Nasonov gland near the tip of her abdomen. The pheromones produced by the gland help other bees orient to the colony. 

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A busy trail of Odorous House Ants, Tapinoma sessile. The trail is maintained by a chemical laid down by ants as they pass.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A busy trail of Odorous House Ants, Tapinoma sessile. The trail is maintained by a chemical laid down by ants as they pass.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Eciton rapax

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
Eciton rapax

Jatun Sacha reserve, Napo, Ecuador
A worker honey bee fans air over the exposed Nasonov gland near the tip of her abdomen. The orientation pheromones produced by the gland help other bees orient to the colony.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A worker honey bee fans air over the exposed Nasonov gland near the tip of her abdomen. The orientation pheromones produced by the gland help other bees orient to the colony. 

Urbana, Illinois, USA
A worker honey bee fans air over the exposed Nasonov gland near the tip of her abdomen. The orientation pheromones produced by the gland help other bees orient to the colony.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013