Abstract
The study investigated the mating propensity of Bombus terrestris by altering the photoperiod (L0:D24, L8:D16, L16:D8 and L24:D0) experienced by different age groups of bees. Three day old queens showed the lowest mating propensity under all photoperiod regimes. Queen mating propensity increased with age. Among the constant-dark treated bumblebees, the highest frequency of mating (68.33%) was observed for 9 day old queens. In contrast, 7 day old queens showed the highest mating propensities at L8:D16, L16:D8 and L24:D0 (88.33, 93.33 and 77.92%, respectively). The highest mating propensities under both short and long day conditions occurred with a queen-to-male ratio of 1:2. The maximum post- mating queen survival rate (96.67%) was found in L8:D16 conditions, and the lowest (60.83%) in L24:D0 condition. These different response patterns indicate that pre-mating light regimes greatly influence mating propensity of B. terrestris. Bombus terrestris / photoperiod / mating
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