Today’s letter N is for Nosonov. The Nosonov pheromone, as you might guess, is produced by the Nosonov gland. This important honey bee pheromone is emitted by worker bees to orient other workers to the colony. It used during swarming to direct workers to the new home, and whenever workers find themselves confused or disoriented as to the location of the hive. If you see a bee at the entrance with her butt up in the air, they are likely emitting this pheromone.

We are at the end of January with unusually warm weather, and the bees were out flying today after a few weeks of very cold weather. Everybee knows where to go, so no need to help orient other bees to the hive, and no Nasonov. I also looked through 7 years of photos and was unable to find a bee in the right pose.

So instead, I found this short video about the Nasonov gland and pheromone, which I hope you enjoy.

May you prosper and find honey.