Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
SUMMARYBy elevating virgin queen honeybees to heights of 6–30 m. with helium-filled balloons, it was determined that drones could be attracted in some areas and not in others. The degree of attraction varied. The data suggest that definite drone congregation areas exist, and it would appear that queens search out these areas and are there pursued by drones. It has so far been almost impossible to define a drone congregation area physically.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Zmarlicki et al. (1963) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: