Role of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in dominance status and reproduction of the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris

In Bombus terrestris females, dominant status is correlated with high levels of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis and rapid oöcyte maturation. Queenright workers, which are inhibited by the dominant queen, complete the cycle of oöcyte maturation while exhibiting a continuous low rate of JH producti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Behavioral ecology and sociobiology 1993, Vol.33 (5), p.335-338
Main Authors: Larrere, M, Couillaud, F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Apidae
Biochemistry. Physiology. Immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Biosynthesis
Bombus
Bombus terrestris
Bumblebees
Corpora allata
dominance
Female animals
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hymenoptera
Insecta
Insects
Invertebrates
Juvenile hormones
Oocytes
Oogenesis
Pheromones
Physiology. Development
Queen insects
reproduction
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Summary:In Bombus terrestris females, dominant status is correlated with high levels of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis and rapid oöcyte maturation. Queenright workers, which are inhibited by the dominant queen, complete the cycle of oöcyte maturation while exhibiting a continuous low rate of JH production, but their egg-laying is inhibited. Measurements in foundress queens suggest that the low JH titer during oögenesis is probably not responsible for the inhibition of egg-laying. Queenless workers, kept individually, are not activated either for JH production or oöcyte maturation. In groups of three queenless workers, a dominance order becomes established and high rates of JH synthesis are observed in the dominant egg-laying workers, with low rates in subordinated workers. In groups of founder queens, also, a dominance order becomes established and results in a reduced rate of JH production in subordinated females.
ISSN:0340-5443
1432-0762
DOI:10.1007/bf00172932