What initiates the secretion of alarm pheromones in honey bees?

The secretion of alarm pheromones in honey bees is primarily initiated by a perceived danger to the hive. When bees sense a threat—such as a predator, intruder, or disturbance—they release these pheromones to alert other bees in the colony. Alarm pheromones serve as a chemical signal that triggers increased aggression and defensive behaviors among the worker bees, prompting a collective response to protect the hive.

This mechanism is essential for the survival of the colony, as it enables rapid communication and coordinated action against potential threats. The release of alarm pheromones can quickly mobilize the hive’s defenses, which is crucial in situations where rapid response is necessary.

The other options do not initiate alarm pheromone secretion. Searching for food typically involves different communication methods among bees, such as the waggle dance. Communicating a new queen's arrival generally involves different pheromones related to the queen's presence and health rather than alarm signals. Producing honey is a vital activity for the colony's sustenance but does not indicate any threat or danger that would trigger alarm responses. Thus, perceived danger to the hive is the critical factor that leads to the release of alarm pheromones.