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The presence of a queen bee in a hive prevents them from being taken over by ‘parasite’ bees, a new study has found.

Fiona Mumoki of the University of Pretoria explains how the parasitic Cape bees - who's workers are unique in being able to lay female eggs - take over queenless hives. However, the presence of a queen can help the hive to fight back against the parasites before they take over completely.

(Picture: The image shows a honey bee colony, infested with parasitic workers (circled purple). Credit: Fiona N. Mumoki)