Mating status of bumblebees, Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) with notes on ambient temperature, age and virginity

Abstract

The mating status of Bombus terrestris in relation to ambient temperature, queen to male ratio in the mating cage, age and virginity of sexuals were studied in the laboratory. Results showed that ambient temperature ranging from 17 to 29°C had a significant effect on the mating percentage of individuals, with queen to male ratios of 1 : 1.5 and 1 : 2. The highest mating percentage (76.9±1.9%) was found at 23°C, with a queen to male ratio of 1 : 1.5, and the lowest percentage (67.3±2.1%) was observed at 29°C with a queen to male ratio of 1 : 2. Both virgin and previously mated males preferred young and virgin queens, and showed a statistically higher mating success, indicating that male virginity and experience had identical effects on male mating fitness. Virgin queens that failed to mate at 7 days old showed a lower percentage of mating success with increasing age, indicating that female copulation fitness depended on their age.