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Article
Achievement of Thermal Stability by Varying Metabolic Heat Production in Flying Honeybees
Science
  • Jon F. Harrison
  • Jennifer H. Fewell
  • Stephen P. Roberts, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • H. Glenn Hall
Abstract

Thermoregulation of the Thorax Allows Endothermic Insects to Achieve Power Outputs during Flight that Are among the Highest in the Animal Kingdom. Flying Endothermic Insects, Including the Honeybee Apis Mellifera, Are Believed to Thermoregulate Almost Exclusively by Varying Heat Loss. Here It is Shown that a Rise in Air Temperature from 20° to 40°C Causes Large Decreases in Metabolic Heat Production and Wing-Beat Frequency in Honeybees during Hovering, Agitated, or Loaded Flight. Thus, Variation in Heat Production May Be the Primary Mechanism for Achieving Thermal Stability in Flying Honeybees, and This Mechanism May Occur Commonly in Endothermic Insects.

Department(s)
Biological Sciences
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2023 American Association for the Advancement of Science, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
10-15-1996
Publication Date
15 Oct 1996
PubMed ID
8810252
Disciplines
Citation Information
Jon F. Harrison, Jennifer H. Fewell, Stephen P. Roberts and H. Glenn Hall. "Achievement of Thermal Stability by Varying Metabolic Heat Production in Flying Honeybees" Science Vol. 274 Iss. 5284 (1996) p. 88 - 90 ISSN: 0036-8075
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/stephen-roberts/12/