The Effects of Position on Hatching of Honey Bee Eggs in the Laboratory1

Abstract

Studies were made to determine the incidence of hatching of honey bee, Apis mellifera L., eggs incubated in various positions. Petri dishes with basal layers of wax, paraffin, or drone foundation were used as supporting surfaces for eggs. The lowest successful hatching incidence was 58% for eggs kept in the inverted position; the highest incidence was 67% in an ordinary prone position. The averagc hatching incidence of 62% shows that hatching is not influenced strongly by the position of the egg. Eggs placed into petri dishes but without regard to their position showed an average of 78% hatchability. The resulting larvae, reared artificially on larval food, showed normal growth and development. Excessivc shaking or bumping does not appear to affect satisfactory hatching. A convenient and rapid method for transfer of honey bee eggs using an ordinary grafting tool was described. The different incubation positions are illustrated by photographs.