What gland is associated with the bee's abdomen?

The gland associated with the bee's abdomen is primarily the scent glands. These glands play a crucial role in communication among bees, especially in attracting mates, signaling the presence of food, or marking territory. Scent production is vital for the colony’s social structure and helps maintain the cohesiveness of the hive. While other glands like salivary glands and hypopharyngeal glands have important functions—such as producing saliva or food for the larvae and the queen—the specific association with the abdomen highlights the role of scent glands in the bee’s social behavior and reproduction. The exocrine glands are a broader category that includes multiple gland types across the body, but when referring strictly to the abdomen, the scent glands are the most relevant.