Hi to all on BEE-L
Murry McGregor wrote:Perhaps thoracic density is also
involved here and may be an indicator of a genetic type (or
supersisters within a colony) rather than
strictly being a size related criterion.

Reply:
Actually it is a size realted criterion.

The density of the thorax is directly linked to the size of
the cell, which has bearing upon the performance of the
honeybee concerning both trachael mite infestation, and
muscle movement necessary for thermoregulation during cold
winters and hot summer, and yes,flight.

Also the bees born in 4.9mm cells or smaller have the wings
longer in proportion to the body then their big sisters on
5.2 or larger foundation. ON the smaller the tip of the
abdomen is shorter then the wing length and on the larger
the wings are shorter then the tip of the abdomen. For
drones of both this has marked effect on mating capacity to
see who gets ther first.

Also to see the difference all you have to do is look.
Density also shows up in other ways.

Regards,

Dee A. Lusby




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