Supercooling Points of Apis Mellifera Ligustica when Performing Different Age-Related Tasks

Yijie Li,Yuchuan Qin,Song Wang

doi:10.2478/v10289-012-0012-z

Abstract

Supercooling Points of Apis Mellifera Ligustica when Performing Different Age-Related TasksIn order to study the cold resistance of honey bees, the authors systematically investigated the supercooling points (SCPs) of Apis mellifera ligustica worker bees performing different age-related tasks. There were statistically significant differences in SCPs between worker bees performing different activities (P<0.05). The nectar-water collector had the highest SCP temperature (-3.16°C), highest water content (74.85%) and lowest crude fat content (6.13%). The soldier had the lowest SCP temperature (-6.40°C), relatively lower water content (70.33%) and higher crude fat content (7.28%). No significant difference was found in the SCPs of workers of different ages. Winter bees did not differ from summer bees in their SCPs. The relatively higher SCPs from different kinds of individual bees suggest that honey bees do not mainly rely on their low SCPs for their cold resistance.

Highlights

Insects that are cold-hardy but sensitive to freezing, survive at low temperatures due to their supercooling capacity
It will show if there is any difference in the supercooling points (SCPs) of worker bees of A. m. ligustica compared to A. cerana cerana and A. m. carnica
There was no significant difference between nurse and pollen foragers and no significant difference between guard and pollen foragers

Summary

Introduction

Insects that are cold-hardy but sensitive to freezing, survive at low temperatures due to their supercooling capacity. Ligustica workers with respect to age, task performance, season and with respect to the water and lipid content of their bodies. This investigation will help in the understanding of whether or not the SCPs of different bees are related to their cold resistance, and to show the relationship between SCPs, water and lipid content. It will show if there is any difference in the SCPs of worker bees of A. m. It will show if there is any difference in the SCPs of worker bees of A. m. ligustica compared to A. cerana cerana and A. m. carnica

Methods

Results

Conclusion