In Vitro Rearing Changes Social Task Performance and Physiology in Honeybees
Felix Schilcher1, Lioba Hilsmann1, Lisa Rauscher1
1Biocentre, Department of Behavioural Physiology and Sociobiology, Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Insects
|January 21, 2022
Summary
Honeybee larvae reared in vitro show altered adult behavior and lower juvenile hormone levels, impacting foraging but not nursing. Rearing conditions significantly influence honeybee social task performance and physiology.
Area of Science:
- Apiculture
- Insect Behavior
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- In vitro rearing of honeybee larvae allows precise control over developmental factors.
- Limited research exists on how in vitro rearing impacts adult honeybee behavior and physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of in vitro rearing on honeybee adult behavior and physiology.
- To compare the social task performance and physiological parameters of in vitro-reared bees with naturally reared bees.
Main Methods:
- Honeybees were reared in vitro using a standardized protocol.
- Emerging bees were individually marked and introduced into established colonies.
- Behavioral performance (nursing, foraging) and physiological factors (juvenile hormone, sucrose responsiveness, lipid levels) were quantified.
Main Results:
- In vitro-reared adult honeybees exhibited reduced foraging duration and fewer foraging trips compared to naturally reared bees.
- Nursing behavior and adult weight were not significantly affected by rearing conditions.
- Juvenile hormone titers were significantly lower in 3- and 4-week-old in vitro-reared bees.
Conclusions:
- Larval rearing conditions significantly influence adult honeybee task performance and physiology, even when adult weight is comparable.
- The colony environment plays a crucial role in shaping honeybee behavior and metabolic pathways.
- In vitro rearing provides valuable insights into the impact of developmental environments on social insects.
