Honeybee Nests: Composition, Structure, Function

1 General Introduction

2 Nesting: Sites, Space and Density in Comb-building

3 Self-organization of Nest Contents

4 Intraspecific and Interspecific Comb-building

5 Communication by Vibrations and Scents in Comb

6 Wax Secretion, Comb Construction and the Queen

7 The Significance of Brood

8 The Role of Pollen in Honeybee Colonies

9 Nectar Flows and Comb-building

10 Construction of Combs

11 Energetics of Honey/Beeswax Conversion

12 Construction of Cells

13 Conversion of Wax Scales into Comb Wax

14 Material Properties of Scale and Comb Wax

15 The Wax Gland Complex

16 The Chemistry of Beeswax

17 Synthesis of Beeswax

18 Material Properties of Honeybee Silk

Index