Biometrical changes during post-embryonic development of Apis mellifera L. workers in subtropical India

Abstract

The present research was conducted to study the biometrical changes during post-embryonic development of Apis mellifera L. workers in Subtropical India. Biometrical changes during post-embryonic development of Apis mellifera L. workers showed a considerable variation in different season of the year viz. Spring, summer, autumn and winter in Indian subtropics. Egg hatched in 2.90-3.31 days, larval stage ranged between 5.79 to 6.10 days and pupation completed 10.36 -12.44 days depending upon the season of the year. Biometrics like length and width of head capsule were 0.76 to 2.41 mm in Ist to Vth instars larvae during different seasons of the year. Body (trunk) length also ranged between 2.88 to 12.76 mm and width 1.09 to 1.15 mm for Ist to Vth instars larvae. Fresh weight of larva and pupa significantly differed in various larval instars and pupal age of different season. The growth index was higher in spring (18.33) followed by autumn (16.18) and the lowest in summer (14.19).