The Development of Ovaries in Worker Honeybees in Queenright Colonies Examined Before and After Swarming

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Abstract
Summary The development of ovaries in worker bees aged 2 and 4 weeks was studied in 7 queenright colonies at fortnightly intervals, observations being made before and after swarming, in parent colonies and in swarms. Ovary development did not increase prior to swarming, and it was found to be significantly lower in samples taken immediately before swarming than in those taken a fortnight earlier. After swarming, slightly greater ovary development was found in the colonies which had swarmed as well as in the swarms; in samples taken from colonies which had swarmed and in which the queens had not laid eggs for a long time, almost 100% workers had developed ovaries. There was a significant correlation between ovary development and the amount (and also percentage) of unsealed brood for colonies which had swarmed; no such correlation was established for swarms. No correlation was found between ovary development and temperature.

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