A comparative study of the spermatheca in bees (Hymenoptera; Apoidea)

摘要

The present paper presents the morphological features of the spermathecae of 19 species of bees that have different social behavior patterns. The spermatheca was examined under light and scanning electron microscopes. Measurements of receptacle and chamber volume were made, and the epithelial height and the number of glands also are included in the comparative study. Statistical analysis showed that representatives of Meliponini and Apini have the largest spermathecae while the solitary bees have the largest intertegular distance. Furthermore, our results suggest that there is a tendency for increase in spermathecal volume, with increasing level of sociality.