Effect of juvenile hormone–III and 20-hydroxyecdysone hormone on larval development of worker and drone honeybee Apis cerana indica (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Indian honeybee Apis cerana indica is polymorphic bee having queen, worker and drone castes. In honeybee each caste has its own developmental pattern and completes its development passing through egg larva, pupa and adult stages. Post-embryonic development of honeybee is controlled by juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone. Present study find out the effects of juvenile hormone-III and 20-hydroxyecdysone on development of fifth instar larvae of worker and drone honeybee Apis cerana indica. Pattern of effects of both hormones on weight and length of worker and drone larvae were observed similar at 24 hrs and 36 hrs time interval but prominent changes in weight and length were seen in drone larvae as compared to worker larvae. Antagonistic effect of juvenile hormone-III and 20-hydroxyecdysone on total body protein was found in worker and drone larvae. Different effects of both hormones on worker and drone larvae suggested the different development timing and differed in physiology of worker and drone castes.