THE LONGITUDINAL ORIENTATION OF LARVAL HONEY BEES (APIS MELLIFERA) IN THEIR CELLS

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Abstract
Disorientated larvae of the three castes of honey bees rarely occur under natural conditions; correct orientation is essential for survival in the worker and drone castes. The distinctive cells of the three castes were simulated by gelatin capsules with their end walls modified to give combinations of shape, ventilation, and texture. The effect of cell length and gravity was also tested. The major factors controlling larval orientation in cells are: (a) worker: primarily texture of cell end walls (i.e. basal end smooth, capping end rough) and secondarily shape of cell end walls (i.e. basal end round, capping end flat), (b) drone: texture of cell end walls, (c) queen: gravity and possibly the rough texture (i.e. the cocoon) of the lower end wall. Larvae defecate with their anterior ends touching the rough-textured end walls.

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