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Subject:
From:
Wayne Clifford <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Mon, 3 Jun 1996 08:40:21 -0700
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On Fri, 31 May 1996, Ann Dougherty wrote:                                       
                                                                                
> I caught a swarm a couple weeks ago and started feeding it syrup with a       
> division board feeder. They were taking the syrup real fast and making        
> nice white comb just like a swarm.                                            
>                                                                               
> When I went to fill the feeder again there were many bees at the bottom of    
> the feeder licking the remaining syrup up.  I poured the syrup on top of      
> them expecting them to float or crawl to the top. Most of them did just       
> that.                                                                         
>                                                                               
> Ispent at least 2 minutes looking for eggs etc., and before closing the       
> hive looked in the feeder. There were still some bees crawling on the         
> screened sides of the feeder fully submerged walking up and down the          
> screen in a very undistressed manner.                                         
>                                                                               
> Can a bee hold its breath? Or had an air bubble formed over each spiracle?    
> How did they do that?                                                         
>                                                                               
> Eventually they came to the top and went about their business.                
>                                                                               
> Ann Dougherty                                                                 
> Kirkland, WA. usa                                                             
>                                                                               
                                                                                
Ann,                                                                            
                                                                                
Your second guess is best.  Many insects that spend at least part of their      
time submerged will carry an air bubble, trapped around their hairs, down       
with them.  It is the surface tension of the liquid that makes the              
difference.                                                                     
                                                                                
You can demonstrate surface tension by placing a drop of water on a piece       
of paper and time how long it takes to soak in, then place a second drop        
and introduce a little dish soap on the end of a tooth pick and see the         
difference.  The soap breaks the surface tension of watter.  This is            
how it helps water be a more effective cleaner.  Try a piece of brown           
paper bag rather than a paper towel.                                            
                                                                                
                                                                                
Have fun...                                                                     
                                                                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------------  
Wayne Clifford                             | Phone (360) 427-9670  X-581        
Technical Administrator                    | FAX (360) 427-7798                 
Mason County Department of Health Services | PO Box 1666 Shelton, WA 98584      
                                           | USA                                
[log in to unmask]                |                                    
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""Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher       
than you think."  Benjamin Disraeli                                             

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