Bee abdomen pulsing

**raybb** · 03-08-2011, 08:09 PM

This is probably very basic but I don't know the answer......Is the rhythmic pulsing of the bee's abdomen have to do with respiration or circulation or both?

Thanks,

Ray

**CBS** · 03-08-2011, 08:40 PM

She's just happy to see you.

CBS

**Joseph Clemens** · 03-08-2011, 08:44 PM

Respiration.

**Omie** · 03-08-2011, 09:27 PM

Respiration.

**wcubed** · 03-09-2011, 02:29 AM

The chilled bee will pulse air through the body as a warming mechanism.
Walt

**criscojohn** · 03-09-2011, 06:14 AM

I notice they do it when drinking water from the pond.

**USCBeeMan** · 03-09-2011, 07:53 AM

Guess they breathe and drink at the same time.

**jmgi** · 03-09-2011, 07:56 AM

Now for the real reason, they do that just prior to stinging your hide. LOL. John

**NDnewbeek** · 03-09-2011, 08:07 AM

Well, it is accomplished through contractions of the flight muscles (mostly). I would bet that it serves multiple purposes - but ventilation of the respiratory system and/or heat production must be two of the functions.

**raybb** · 03-09-2011, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the quick responses. (Although a few answers were somewhat..... "suspect")
I'm going with...RESPIRATION

Ray

**raybb** · 03-09-2011, 09:09 AM

And "WARMING"

Ray

**Stanisr** · 03-09-2011, 09:57 AM

7 of the 10 spiracles (openings for air) are located in the abdomen of the honey bee, the other 3 in the thorax, these spiracles are connected to the air sacs via trachae tubes. the method of air movement requires contracting the exoskeleton and then relaxing to allow air to enter and exit. This is also why the bee continues to pulse their abdomen when drinking, they are breathing as well.