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Date: | Sat, 19 Nov 2022 10:37:13 -0500 |
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WATER AND POLLEN FOR BEES By H. F. Wilson, University of Wisconsin.
It was observed that water carriers did not deposit their loads in the comb, but transferred them to other bees, which served as “reservoirs” for the colony. By using a one-frame observation hive, it was not difficult to follow individual water carriers from the time they entered until they left the hive. It was found that the “reservoirs,” in which water was stored on-these occasions, were the honey sacs of numerous bees of the colony. It could be seen that, as the water was transferred, the abdomen of the water carrier decreased in size while that of the “reservoir” bee distended. As more and more water was brought into the hive, an ever-increasing number of these “reservoirs” were distinguishable by their distended abdomens.
It seems strange that this method of storing water should have escaped the notice of other observers, but I know of no reference to it in bee literature. The “reservoir” bees were quite inactive and occupied places surrounding the brood area rather than within it. It was observed also that when a good flight day was followed by a period of several days or a week without access to more water, the abdomens of these “reservoir’’ bees became greatly reduced in size; but on the first subsequent flight day it became evident that the “reservoirs“ were being refilled.
posted by PLB
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