The World of the Honeybee (Collins New Naturalist Library, Book 29)

The mysteries of bee life are illuminated for beekeepers, entomologists and students of natural history in general. The complex and wonderful organisation of the honeybee has fascinated many naturalists and writers, but the New Naturalist is fortunate in securing for its library what is undoubtedly one of the finest and most comprehensive treatises on the subject. For many years head of the research station at Rothamsted, Dr Butler's own discoveries (particularly the existence of "queen substance") are truly remarkable. Skilfully woven into the book are the results of the work of others - such as that of von Frisch on the orientation of bees, and the almost incredible way in which information is conveyed about the distance and direction of food sources, by beautiful, extraordinary dances. The copious illustrations are all taken by the author and are marvels of close-up photography. This edition contains the finding of latest research, including the discovery of the sex attractant released by the queen and its function; and exactly how the piping sounds made by the emerging queen are produced. Reviews: "Excellent guide to the mysteries of bee life, for the general reader as well as the beekeeper and entomologist" Yorkshire Post "Important as an exposition of a most suggestive theory, that of the "queen substance". The experiments behind this are fascinating." Manchester Guardian "One of the best books of this (20th) century on bees" British Bee Journal