The Effect of Tracheal Interruption on the Spermathecal Wall of the Queen Honey Bee

Summary

The spermathecas of honey bee queens were exposed surgically, and either a portion of the spermathecal tracheal network was removed or a ligature was placed to block air movement to and from the network. The queens were killed 2–22 days later, and a histologic appraisal was made of the operation's effect on the spermathecal wall. Both tracheectomy and ligation were promptly followed by severe shortening of epithelial cell height and necrosis of the spermathecal wall within the operated area. The findings support a concept of the spermatheca as an isolating structure for spermatozoa storage.