Eur. J. Entomol. 99 (2): 209-214, 2002 | DOI: 10.14411/eje.2002.029

Interrelations of gas exchange cycles, body movements and heartbeats in the foragers of bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at low temperatures

Aare KUUSIK1,*, Ants-Johannes MARTIN1, Marika MÄND1, Külli HIIESAAR1, Luule METSPALU1, Urmas TARTES2
1 Institute of Plant Protection, Estonian Agricultural University, Kreutzwaldi 64, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
2 Institute of Zoology and Botany, Estonian Agricultural University, Riia 181, 51014 Tartu, Estonia

Rhythmic body movements, cyclic gas exchange and heart activity were studied at low temperature (mostly at 5°C) in bumblebee Bombus terrestris foragers. Simultaneous measurements by means of an electrolytic respirometer combined with an optical system by infrared radiation, revealed a co-ordination between discontinuous gas exchange cycles and body rhythmic movements. No distinct correlation was found between intermittent heart activity and body movements. The carbon dioxide bursts were actively ventilated by abdominal vigorous pumping movements. These bursts followed each other with intervals of 25-30 minutes.
The periods of heart activity regularly alternated with heart pauses. The frequency of the heartbeat was similar to that of the weak abdominal pulsations (0.2-0.25 Hz) which were imperceptible with the naked eye. All bumblebees displayed abdominal pulsations which were independent of vigorous pumping movements. In bumblebee B. terrestris foragers haemolymph oscillation was assumed at 5°C, as is known in the honeybee and some other Bombus species.

Keywords: Bombus terrestris, gas exchange cycles, body movements, heartbeats

Received: November 9, 2001; Revised: February 28, 2002; Accepted: April 29, 2002; Published: June 30, 2002  Show citation

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KUUSIK, A., MARTIN, A., MÄND, M., HIIESAAR, K., METSPALU, L., & TARTES, U. (2002). Interrelations of gas exchange cycles, body movements and heartbeats in the foragers of bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae) at low temperatures. EJE, 99(2), 209-214. doi: 10.14411/eje.2002.029
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