Factors Influencing the Formation of the Venom of the Honeybee

Abstract
Studies were made of the production of venom in honeybees (Apis mellifera) of various ages. The venom glands were isolated, fixed with alcohol and dried over CaCl2. Bees 5 days of age produced 51 [gamma] dried venom (0.153 mg. original liquid venom); bees of 10 days 79 [gamma] (0.237 mg. original liquid venom); and bees 25 days old 110 [gamma] (0.33 mg.). When young bees were isolated in a celluloid cage in the hive and fed on sugar solns. exclusively, it was found that at the age of 10 days only 18.5 [gamma] of dried venom (0.056 mg. original dried venom) were formed. A diet devoid of pollen is undesirable for the production of bee venom.