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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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