Comparative Studies on the Antennal Sense Organs of Queen and Worker Honey Bees, Apis mellifera L.

Abstract

The antennal forms and sensilla of queen and workers honeybees Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to describe the types, and distribution of sensory structures to ascertain the relationship between sensory structures and behavior. Differences were found in sensilla types’ diversity and distribution on the antennae of queens grafted from 12 and 48 hrs and workers honey bees. The scape with long trichoid were found in workers but with special very long in size for the queens honey bee. The pedicle with trichoid (short and long) were found in both worker and queen honeybee. There is a significant association between type, size and density of sensilla on flagellum segments. The segments of flagellum from 3rd to 10th are bearing placoid different in shape and size (oval, circle and square) and different in number on queen and worker. Basiconicum (large and small) with apical one pore were present with strong hook (curved shape) on second segment of flagellum in the worker but absent in the queen honey bees. The sensilla amplluicica and coeloconica were found on the same flagellum segments. There is a great variety of sense organs on the apical segment of flagellum for both workers and queen honeybees. The numbers of sensilla trichoid, placodea, campaniform, Basiconicum, amplluicica, and coeloconica varied most among bee casts and also antennal segments (scape, pedical and flagella).