The Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) subspecies exhibit local adaptive traits that evolved in response to the
different environments that characterize their native distribution ranges. An important trait is the cuticular
hydrocarbon (CHC) profile, which helps to prevent desiccation and mediate communication. We compared
the CHC profiles of six European subspecies (A. m. mellifera, A. m. carnica, A. m. ligustica, A. m. macedonica, A.
m. iberiensis, and A. m. ruttneri) and investigated potential factors shaping their composition. We did not find
evidence of adaptation of the CHC profiles of the subspecies to the climatic conditions in their distribution
range. Subspecies-specific differences in CHC composition might be explained by phylogenetic constraints or
genetic drift. The CHC profiles of foragers were more subspecies-specific than those of nurse bees, while the latter
showed more variation in their CHC profiles, likely due to the lower desiccation stress exerted by the controlled
environment inside the hive. The strongest profile differences appeared between nurse bees and foragers among
all subspecies, suggesting an adaptation to social task and a role in communication. Foragers also showed an
increase in the relative amount of alkanes in their profiles compared to nurses, indicating adaptation to climatic
conditions.
