Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-t8hqh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-24T06:44:45.107Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Observations on the Entry of Dusts into the Respiratory System of the Adult Worker Honey Bee, Apis mellifera L.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 July 2009

Joan U. Connell
Affiliation:
Seale-Hayne Agricultural College, Newton Abbot
G. D. Glynne Jones
Affiliation:
Seale-Hayne Agricultural College, Newton Abbot

Extract

A description is given of the hair structures associated with the spiracles of the adult worker honey bee, Apis mellifera L.

The surface hairs around the spiracular orifices vary in size, density and arrangement and with the exception of those of the third, fifth and sixth abdominal spiracles appear to be capable of holding back particles greater than 30 microns.

When living bees were exposed to dust clouds of charcoal and cuprous cyanide, no particles were found in any internal part of the respiratory system beyond the spiracles except in the case of the trachea of the first thoracic spiracle which contained charcoal particles less than 5 microns.

The mechanism of tracheal ventilation was considered and evidence accumulated to suggest that all spiracles could have an inspiratory function.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1953

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Fraenkel, G. (1932). Untersuchungen über die Koordination von Reflexen und automatisch-nervösen Rhythmen bei Insekten. III.—Z. vergl. Physiol., 16, pp. 41443.Google Scholar
Hamilton, A. G. (1937). The mechanism of respiration of locusts and its bearing on the problem of inhalation of poison dusts.—Bull. ent. Res., 28, pp. 5368.Google Scholar
Snodgrass, R. E. (1925). Anatomy and physiology of the honeybee.—327 pp. New York, McGraw-Hill.Google Scholar
Webb, J. E. (1945 a). The penetration of derris through the spiracles and cuticle of Melophagus ovinus, L.—Bull. ent. Res., 36, pp. 1522.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Webb, J. E. (1945 b). On the respiratory mechanism of Melophagus ovinus L. (Dipt.).—Proc. zool. Soc. Lond., 115, pp. 218250.Google Scholar
Wohlgemuth, O. E. (1929). Die Atemmale (Stigmen) der Honigbiene.—Erlanger Jb. Bienenk., 7, pp. 146.Google Scholar