beeswax
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AI overview
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees that they use to build the honeycomb structure inside their hives. It has been harvested and used commercially for products like candles and honeycomb foundation, which beekeepers use in their hives.
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Article
11 sectionsContents
- Production
- Processing
- Physical characteristics
- Chemical composition
- Adulteration
- Production
- Uses
- Historical uses
- See also
- References
- External links
thumb|right|Bee hive wax complex thumb|right|Beeswax cake thumb|Commercial honeycomb foundation, made by pressing beeswax between patterned metal rollers
Beeswax (also known as cera alba) is a natural wax produced by honey bees of the genus Apis. The wax is formed into scales by eight wax-producing glands in the abdominal segments of worker bees, which discard it in or at the hive. The hive workers collect and use it to form cells for honey storage and larval and pupal protection within the beehive. Chemically, beeswax consists mainly of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols.