What substance is released by tarsal glands that may influence bee behavior?

The substance released by tarsal glands that influences bee behavior is known as trail pheromone. These pheromones play a crucial role in communication among bees, particularly for foraging and navigation. When foraging bees return to the hive or a food source, they deposit trail pheromones through their tarsal glands on their legs. This chemical signal helps other bees in the colony to locate the source of food by following the pheromone trail.

Trail pheromones are essential for efficient foraging, as they guide worker bees and facilitate the coordination of collective foraging efforts. This behavior enhances the foraging efficiency of the hive and ensures that resources are utilized effectively. The other substances mentioned do not serve this specific communicative role: nectar is primarily a food source, royal jelly is a nutrient-rich substance for developing larvae and queen bees, and propolis is a resinous material used for hive construction and maintenance, rather than for influencing behavior through chemical signaling.