What is the function of the spermatheca in bees?

The spermatheca is a specialized organ found in the reproductive system of queen bees. Its primary function is to store sperm received from a drone during mating. After mating, the queen can use this stored sperm to fertilize her eggs over her lifetime, which ensures she can produce a continuous supply of worker bees and drones. The ability to store sperm allows her to control the timing of fertilization, which is critical for the colony's reproduction and the maintenance of its population.

The other options refer to functions that are not related to the spermatheca. Storing eggs is a function of the ovaries, while pheromone production is primarily regulated by the queen's glands and has no direct link to the spermatheca. Filtering air is a function associated with the respiratory system in bees but not relevant to the reproductive processes. Understanding the role of the spermatheca helps clarify the reproductive strategies of honeybees and the importance of sperm storage for colony health and sustainability.