Hypoxia-Controlled Winter Metabolism in Honeybees ( Apis mellifera)

Abstract

Experiments during three winters have revealed a metabolism controlling function of bee-induced hypoxia in the winter cluster. Permanent low oxygen levels around 15% were found in its core. This hypoxia was actively controlled, probably via indirect mechanisms. Varying ambient oxygen levels demonstrated a causal relationship between lowered oxygen and reduced metabolic rate (MR). Under deeper ambient hypoxia the bees switched to ultra low MR (ULMR), optional-occasional at 15% oxygen, obligatory at 7.5% oxygen. This dormancy status resembled deep diapause in insects. It stayed reversible after at least several days, and was terminated under normal oxygen at 15°C. Reduced MR via core-hypoxia is essential in water conserving thermoregulation of the wintering cluster. It allows bees to reconcile warm wintering in alert state—for defence of stores—with energy saving and longevity. Two further hypotheses discussed are that winter MR of bees might be related to insect diapause, and that in-body hypoxia might be functional in insect diapause.