> They conclude:
> > Shipping temperatures is one possible explanation for the observed low
> sperm viability in queens. Additional research is needed on drone health
> and exposure to pesticides prior to mating and on the possible role of
> pesticides in queen health at the colony level.

One would expect drones that achieve mating to be in robust health.  Sperm
in many species is prone to damage from overheating.  Usually a time/
temperature relationship.

In a past life I spent some time studying (mostly a literature
search)preferred temperatures in reptiles.  If they were kept above this
preferred temperature for a period spermatic damage occurred, and if the
temperature was raised further or prolonged, somatic damage came into the
picture.

It is interesting to note that many mammals, particularly placentals, have
testes outside the body.  However the leftover dinosaurs-birds, even with
their elevated body temp retain them in the body cavity.

Geoff Manning

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