What is wax made from in a honeybee?

Wax is produced by honeybees through specialized glands located on the underside of their abdomens. These glands secrete a substance that, when combined with the bees' body heat and after being worked and molded by the bees' mandibles, forms the wax that is used to construct honeycomb. This wax plays a vital role in the hive as it serves as the foundation for the structure where bees store honey and pollen, as well as where they rear their young.

The production of beeswax is an intricate process that highlights the bees' unique adaptations and roles in their environment. Honey, while crucial for the bees' diet, does not directly contribute to wax production. Similarly, pollen is primarily a protein source for feeding young bees, and resin is generally collected by bees for propolis, which serves different purposes such as sealing cracks and protecting the hive from pathogens. Understanding the specific source of beeswax emphasizes the important physiological functions that foster the hive's daily operations.