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Migration and dispersal of spermatozoa in spermathecae of queen honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

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Summary

Observations of variability in the phenotypic composition of honeybee colonies through time have led to ad hoc hypotheses concerning the distribution of spermatozoa in multiply mated honeybee queens. These hypotheses are not supported by available data. Serial sections of spermathecae from honeybee queens were examined by light microscopy. No obvious physical evidence was observed of agglomerations, aggregations, clumps, layers, or wads of spermatozoa within spermathecae within 24 h of insemination. A hypothesis is proposed explaining the occurrence of fluctuations of progeny phenotypes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA Bee Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin, 53706, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    R. E. Page Jr, R. B. Kimsey & H. H. Laidlaw Jr

  2. Department of Entomology, University of California, 95616, Davis, California, USA

    R. E. Page Jr, R. B. Kimsey & H. H. Laidlaw Jr

Authors
  1. R. E. Page Jr
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  2. R. B. Kimsey
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  3. H. H. Laidlaw Jr
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Page, R.E., Kimsey, R.B. & Laidlaw, H.H. Migration and dispersal of spermatozoa in spermathecae of queen honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). Experientia 40, 182–184 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01963589

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01963589

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