Queen Series: Honey Bee Queen Biology and Mating Behavior with Dr. Juliana Rangel (383) cover art

Queen Series: Honey Bee Queen Biology and Mating Behavior with Dr. Juliana Rangel (383)

Queen Series: Honey Bee Queen Biology and Mating Behavior with Dr. Juliana Rangel (383)

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 In this continuation of the Queen Series, Jeff Ott and Becky Masterman welcome Dr. Juliana Rangel of Texas A&M University for an in-depth discussion on honey bee queen biology, mating behavior, and the often-overlooked role of drones in colony success. Juliana shares her journey into honey bee research, beginning with stingless bees in Brazil and leading to her current work on queen reproductive biology. The conversation explores the complexity of queen mating, from orientation flights to drone congregation areas, and the many variables that influence successful mating—especially weather, timing, and environmental conditions. A key takeaway is how much remains unknown. Despite decades of research, fundamental questions—such as where queens consistently mate and how mating locations are determined—are still being revisited with new technologies like RFID tracking. The discussion highlights the importance of drone quality and diversity, emphasizing that drones contribute half the genetics of a colony. Poor drone health or limited mating opportunities can directly impact queen longevity and colony productivity. Juliana also explains how pesticide exposure and contaminated wax can disrupt normal mating patterns, sometimes leading to excessive mating or reduced sperm viability. Queen development is another critical factor. Queens raised from older larvae may appear functional but result in significantly reduced colony performance. Proper grafting practices remain essential, especially for small-scale queen producers. The episode closes with practical advice for beekeepers: observe queen retinue behavior, maintain good records, and reconsider the value of drones within colonies. Juliana also shares updates on her current research in Colombia and a new international project investigating queen mating dynamics and environmental stressors. This conversation reinforces a central theme: queen quality is multifactorial, and improving it requires attention to genetics, nutrition, environment, and management practices. For additional information where honey bees mate, listen to our conversation with Dr. Gard Otis in episode 378. Websites from the episode and others we recommend: Texas A&M Honey Bee Lab: https://honeybeelab.tamu.edu Honey Bee Health Coalition: https://honeybeehealthcoalition.orgProject Apis m. (PAm): https://www.projectapism.orgThe National Honey Board: https://honey.comHoney Bee Obscura Podcast: https://honeybeeobscura.com Copyright © 2026 by Growing Planet Media, LLC ______________ Betterbee is the presenting sponsor of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Betterbee's mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com This episode is brought to you by Global Patties! Global offers a variety of standard and custom patties. Visit them today at http://globalpatties.com and let them know you appreciate them sponsoring this episode! As a beekeeper, you want products that benefit you and your bees. When you choose Premier Bee Products, you choose hive components that are healthier for bees and more productive for you. Because we believe that in beekeeping, details make all the difference. Premier Bee Products: Better for bees. Better for beekeepers. Use promo code PODCAST for 10% off your next online order. APIS Tactical is a beekeeping brand focused on innovation. We create a wide range of gear for beekeepers of all types—whether you're managing a few hives or working bees every day. We combine science and artistry to create purposeful, hardworking gear. We're here to help you care for your bees with confidence, so you can focus on what matters most—your hive. Thanks to Strong Microbials for their support of Beekeeping Today Podcast. Find out more about their line of probiotics in our Season 3, Episode 12 episode and from their website: https://www.strongmicrobials.com HiveIQ is revolutionizing the way beekeepers manage their colonies with innovative, insulated hive systems designed for maximum colony health and efficiency. Their hives maintain stable temperatures year-round, reduce stress on the bees, and are built to last using durable, lightweight materials. Whether you're managing two hives or two hundred, HiveIQ's smart design helps your bees thrive while saving you time and effort. Learn more at HiveIQ.com. We'd like to thank Vita Bee Health for supporting the podcast. Vita provides proven tools for controlling Varroa—from Apistan and Apiguard to the new VarroxSan extended-release oxalic acid strips—helping beekeepers keep stronger, healthier colonies. Thanks for Northern Bee Books for their support. Northern Bee Books is the publisher of bee books available worldwide from their website or from ...
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