Which gland produces wax for the construction of honeycombs?

The wax gland is the specific gland responsible for producing wax in honey bees, which is essential for the construction of honeycombs. This gland is located on the abdomen of worker bees, and it secretes a waxy substance that the bees then manipulate. When the bees secrete the wax, they chew it and form it into the hexagonal cells that make up the structure of the honeycomb.

Understanding the function of the wax gland clarifies how bees create their hives, as honeycomb serves various purposes, including housing larvae, storing honey, and providing a place for pollen. The process of making wax is energy-intensive for bees, as they require multiple kg of honey to produce a smaller quantity of wax. This highlights the significance of the wax gland in the overall biology and behavior of bees.

Other glands mentioned in the choices serve different functions. The salivary gland, for instance, produces saliva that aids in digestion, while the scent gland releases pheromones for communication among bees. The gastric gland is involved in digestion processes, further distinguishing their roles from that of the wax gland. Thus, the wax gland is uniquely and critically linked to the construction of honeycombs.