<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p> Several methods for stimulating nest initiation (particularly the use of the <italic>Bombus terrestris</italic> cocoon) in queen bumblebees of the species <italic>B. lapidarius </italic>and <italic>B. hortorum </italic>were compared. For <italic>B. lapidarius, </italic>it was determined that the percentage success rate for establishing the first egg cell on a cocoon of <italic>B. terrestris </italic>is similar to that on a conspecific cocoon. Nest establishment, however, was significantly slower on the cocoon of <italic>B. terrestris</italic>. Moreover, it was determined that queens of <italic>B. lapidarius </italic>are able to initiate a nest without hibernation. Queens hibernated in the laboratory displayed a similar percentage success rate in establishing an egg cell during stimulation with the cocoon of <italic>B. terrestris </italic>as did the outdoor queens, but the lab queens established it significantly more slowly. Queens of <italic>B. hortorum </italic>did not incubate the cocoon of <italic>B. terrestris</italic>, nor did they establish an egg cell on it.</p></abstract>

Several methods for stimulating nest initiation (particularly the use of the Bombus terrestris cocoon) in queen bumblebees of the species B. lapidarius and B. hortorum were compared. For B. lapidarius, it was determined that the percentage success rate for establishing the first egg cell on a cocoon of B. terrestris is similar to that on a conspecific cocoon. Nest establishment, however, was significantly slower on the cocoon of B. terrestris. Moreover, it was determined that queens of B. lapidarius are able to initiate a nest without hibernation. Queens hibernated in the laboratory displayed a similar percentage success rate in establishing an egg cell during stimulation with the cocoon of B. terrestris as did the outdoor queens, but the lab queens established it significantly more slowly. Queens of B. hortorum did not incubate the cocoon of B. terrestris, nor did they establish an egg cell on it.

A Test of Bombus terrestris Cocoon and other Common Methods for Nest Initiation in B. lapidarius and B. hortorum

Agricultural Research, Ltd. Troubsko, Czech Republic

Research Institute for Fodder Crops, Ltd. Troubsko, Czech Republic

Journal of Apicultural Science

Several methods for stimulating nest initiation (particularly the use of the Bombus terrestris cocoon) in queen bumblebees of the species B. lapidarius and B....

A Test of Bombus terrestris Cocoon and other Common Methods for Nest Initiation in B. lapidarius and B. hortorum

Published Online: Jan 12, 2013

Page range: 37 - 47

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10289-012-0022-x

This content is open access.