Abstract: Mandibular gland is an important honeybee exocrine gland. Its secretions are of great importance in maintaining the social organization of honeybee colony. Stearic acid is used as the synthetic precursor in biosynthesis pathways of both queen and worker mandibular gland secretion, but the caste differences in the following fatty acid β-oxidation process lead to the different proportions of components of mandibular gland secretions between castes. Queen mandibular gland secretion mainly consists of 9-oxo-2-decenoic acid (9-ODA) and possesses multiple functions including attracting workers and drones, inhibiting activation of worker ovaries, etc. Worker mandibular gland secretion is dominated by 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) and 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (10-HDAA), and constitutes an important part of royal jelly. This caste specificity in the mandibular gland secretion composition is not only a rigid trait but also shows plasticity within the female phenotype and difference between species. The researches at the transcriptional and protein levels in recent years further revealed the molecular basis of this caste difference. Researches about mandibular glands are of great significance to the studies of such areas as honeybee biology, honeybee behavior and quality control of honeybee products. By summarizing these mandibular gland related researches, we aim to provide insights for further study in the functional mechanisms of mandibular gland secretion, the molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis pathway and other related areas．

Key words: Honey bee, mandibular gland secretions, fatty acids, caste difference, biosynthesis route