[Variation of the 9-keto-2-decenoic acid content as a function of age in virgin queen-bees (Apis mellifica ligustica S.)].

We measured the amount of 9-oxodec-2-enoic acid in virgin Honeybee queens 1 to 50 days old. We chose 4 age ranges: from 1 to 6, from 16 to 20, from 26 to 30, from 40 to 50 days. Queens 16 to 20 days old contain most 9-oxodec-2-enoic acid (average : 1 107 mug). The observed variations in amounts should partly depend on the physiology of attending workers. The authors discuss the mechanisms responsible for the action of 9-oxodec-2-enoic-acid.