Factors Controlling Initiation of Vitellogenesis in a Primitively Social Bee, Lasioglossum Zephyum (Hymenoptera: halictidae)

Authors

William J. Bell, University of Kansas

Document Type

Bulletin

Journal/Book Title/Conference

INSECTES SOCIAUX BULLETIN DE L'UNION INTERNATIONALE POUR L'ÉTUDE DES INSECTES SOCIAUX

Volume

20

Issue

3

Publication Date

1-1-1973

First Page

253

Last Page

260

Abstract

Hormonal, nutritional, and environmental factors influencing vitellogenesis in Lasioglossum zephyrum females were studied in bees maintained in plastic vials or in glass nest sites. A protein source is necessary for initiation of egg development. Further, it appears that protein ingestion triggers juvenile hormone secretion which is followed by the initiation vitellogenesis. Social interactions are not required for ovarian development, although the nest site itself, with soil for making cells, seems to stimulate protein ingestion and therefore vitellogenesis. Inhibition of egg development in worker bees exerted by the queen can be overcome by treating workers with juvenile hormone, suggesting that the inhibition is meditated through the corpora allata.

Recommended Citation

Bell, William J., "Factors Controlling Initiation of Vitellogenesis in a Primitively Social Bee, Lasioglossum Zephyum (Hymenoptera: halictidae)" (1973). Ba. Paper 45.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_ba/45