a chemical substance secreted externally by some animals (especially insects) that influences the physiology or behavior of other animals of the same species
"The queen bee releases a pheromone to signal the colony that she is healthy and still laying eggs."
A chemical secreted by an animal, especially an insect, that affects the development or behavior of other members of the same species, functioning often as a means of attracting a member of the opposite sex.
"The queen bee releases a pheromone to signal her workers to stop laying eggs and keep the hive organized."