Crossword Genius

Insect queen and what one is to drones? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mother

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'what one is to drones?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'insect queen' is the wordplay.
'insect' becomes 'moth' (moth is a kind of insect).
'queen' becomes 'ER' (abbreviation for Elizabeth Regina).
'moth'+'er'='MOTHER'

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mother that I've seen before include "Nature so-called" , "One who pours the tea?" , "Parent to her Tom, oddly" , "Be overprotective" , "Dam" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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