What is the primary role of the hypopharyngeal gland in honey bees?

The primary role of the hypopharyngeal gland in honey bees is to produce royal jelly, a nutrient-rich secretion that is crucial for the development of bee larvae, particularly for queen bees. This gland is particularly active in nurse bees, who take on the responsibility of feeding the brood and the queen. Royal jelly is composed of proteins, vitamins, and other essential nutrients, supporting the growth and development of the larva. Additionally, it plays a vital role in determining whether a larva develops into a queen or a worker bee, as only those larvae fed royal jelly will develop into queens. This is key to the colony's reproductive structure and overall health.