LABORATORY REARING STUDIES OF THE POSTCAPPING STAGES OF THE HONEY BEE (APIS MELLIFERA L.): II. REARING BROOD INSIDE CELLS

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Abstract
Fully fed larvae and pupae of the three castea of honey bee were reared in various artificial cells in the laboratory. The effects of humidity, removal of cell parts, orientation of brood in various positions, and use of different artificial cappings on brood development were tested.Rearing was successful in wax cavities covered with cellophane and is gelatin capsules with one end covered with paper tissue. Bees emerged quickly and easily through paper tissue with minimum loss of weight when they were physically ready to do so. Labial gland secretion was probably used to moisten cappings during emergence. Cell size was only critical for drone brood. Relative humidities of 40–80% gave good results. Ecdyses were more successful when the anal ends touched side or end walls of the cells. The placement of prepupae or pupae in various abnormal positions had little or no effect on subsequent development.