ISSN:
1432-1351
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Summary Temperature regulation inBombus terricola was investigated in the field in relation to foraging energetics on flowers differing widely in morphology and nectar contents. 1. While foraging for nectar fromAsclepias syriaca mean thoracic temperature (TTh) was relatively independent from ambient thermal conditions, ranging from 35.2 °C in shade at 12 °C, to 37.5 °C in sunshine at 28 °C (Fig. 1). 2. While foraging for pollen fromSolanum dulcamara TTh was also regulated near 36 °C (Fig. 2). 3. In contrast, mean TTh ofB. terricola foraging fromSpiraea latifolia andSolidago canadensis varied nearly directly with ambient thermal conditions (Figs. 4 and 5). 4. Abdominal temperature varied nearly directly with TA regardless of whether or not TTh was stabilized (Figs. 1 and 4). 5. At TA〈21 °C in shade many of the nectar foragers onSolidago canadensis andSpiraea latifolia, having a TTh 〈 29 °C, were incapable of immediate flight. However, the TTh of pollen gatherers at the same TA (Table 1) was higher (p 〈 0.01), and these bees were always capable of immediate flight. 6. The energetic costs for temperature regulation during foraging at different TA, and the energetic gains that might be derived are discussed (see Figs. 7 and 8) in relation to the geometry of nectar distribution in space, and in relation to nectar abundance.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00696519
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