The World of the Honeybee : 29

The complex and wonderful organisation of the honeybee has fascinated many naturalists and writers, and this comprehensive treatise stands as one of the finest works on the subject. The mysteries of bee life are illuminated for beekeepers, entomologists and students of natural history in general.

For many years head of the research station at Rothamsted, Dr Butler's own discoveries are truly remarkable, particularly the existence of "queen substance". 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.

Fully revised and updated, this edition contains the findings 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.