Measurement of the thermal resistance of Bombus terrestris L.
Author of the article:XU Xi-Lian1** CHENG Shang1, 2 WANG Feng-He1 WU Jie3
Author's Workplace：1. Institute of Information on Science and Technology of Agriculture, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing,100097, China; 2. Eastern Bee Research Institute of Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China;3. Institute of Apiculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China
Key Words：Bombus terrestris, thermo resistance, protein, high temperature acclimation
Abstract：[Objectives] To measure individual survival rates and the influence of protein content in Bombus spp. under different high temperature gradients, and to provide a theoretical basis for pollination by bumblebees. [Methods] Survival rates were measured to confirm the thermal resistance of B. terrestris L. larvae, adult drones, and adult workers under five high temperature gradients. The survival rate of adult workers after domestication under sub-lethal heating was also tested. [Results] The results indicate that larvae had the least thermal resistance, and adult workers the greatest. Within the range of temperatures tested, the thermal resistance of adult workers can be increased after domestication by sub-lethal heating. Different high temperature gradients had different effects on the protein content of larvae, workers and drones of B. terrestris, but the overall trend was downward. The relationship between body weight and protein content of Bombus spp. under different high temperature gradients was not significant. [Conclusion] Larvae, workers, drones of B. terrestris have different levels of thermal resistance. Domestication and exposure to sub-lethal heating before pollination can improve thermal resistance and pollination efficiency.