A temperature-induced switch from diffusive to convective ventilation in the honeybee

摘要: It is known that many insects emit CO 2 in widely spaced ‘bursts’ or discontinuous ventilation events, usually characterized by active abdominal ventilation. We describe the emission characteristics of honeybee ( Apis mellifera ligustica Spinola), and utilize its ‘chill coma’ temperature threshold (12°C) to effect transitions from continuous, diffusive discontinuous, convective regimes. Increasing abruptly switched dynamics continuous (≤11 °C) (>12°C). The cycle frequency was 7.84mHz output per event (burst phase) 1.56μl: neither variable temperaturedependent range 12–15 °C. rate did not change significantly 7–15 °C, possibly owing increased membrane leakiness at lower temperatures. At 15°C, metabolic (2.69 W kg −1 , mean mass 0.094 g) similar other similarly sized capable significant endothermy.