Thank you so much. It seems that the queen produces proteins and enzymes to mimic seminal fluid and a range of defence mechanisms to reduce oxidative degeneration.
I'm not sure who is the cleverest, you for finding it, the Aussies for the research paper or the Queen Bee for doing it.
Thanks...
I was asked a question the other day that completely stumped me and I haven't been able to find out the answer so here goes.
I explained during a talk that the new queen hatches and then hangs around for a few days hardening up before she is encouraged to go on her familiarisation and mating...