Modified plastic pipettes act as essential physical restraint devices in the controlled mating of stingless bees. By specifically modifying the tip of the pipette to secure the queen’s thorax while leaving her abdomen exposed, breeders create a stable, non-damaging interface that prevents flight and facilitates precise interaction with drones.
Core Takeaway: This simple modification transforms a common lab tool into a critical handling device, allowing breeders to stabilize the queen for targeted drone interaction without the risk of escape or injury.
The Mechanics of the Restraint
Customizing the Aperture
Standard pipettes are not used "as is." The tip must be cut to create a specific diameter.
This opening is sized to accommodate the queen's anatomy, functioning as a collar rather than a clamp.
Securing the Thorax
The device works by trapping the queen's thorax (the middle section of the body) inside the cut tip.
By holding the thorax rigid, the pipette immobilizes the queen's wings and legs, effectively neutralizing her ability to fly or crawl away during the delicate process.
Strategic Exposure
While the upper body is secured, the queen's abdomen remains exposed outside the pipette.
This physical setup is critical because it leaves the reproductive anatomy accessible, allowing mating to occur while the queen remains under strict physical control.
Facilitating Controlled Mating
Preventing Escape
The primary function of the pipette is to prevent the queen from flying away.
In an open breeding environment or a controlled lab setting, a loose queen represents a significant risk of loss or uncontrolled mating; the pipette eliminates this variable.
Presentation to Drones
The pipette acts as a handle, allowing the breeder to manually position the queen.
This enables the precise presentation of the queen to specific groups of drones, ensuring she interacts only with the genetic lines selected by the breeder.
Operational Considerations and Trade-offs
Requirement for Precision
The modification of the pipette requires exactness. If the cut is too wide, the queen will slip through; if it is too narrow, it may damage the thorax.
Manual Stability
While the tool secures the bee, the success of the mating depends on the handler.
The pipette provides a stable physical interface, but it requires the breeder to maintain a steady hand to present the queen effectively without causing stress or physical trauma.
Making the Right Choice for Your Goal
To effectively utilize this technique in your breeding program, consider the following focus areas:
- If your primary focus is Security: Ensure the pipette tip is cut to fit the thorax snugly, preventing the queen from backing out or taking flight during the transfer.
- If your primary focus is Genetic Selection: Use the stability of the pipette to present the queen exclusively to isolated, pre-selected drone groups to guarantee lineage control.
By mechanically separating the queen's mobility from her reproductive availability, you gain total control over the mating environment.
Summary Table:
| Feature | Modification/Action | Benefit for Controlled Mating |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture Size | Precision-cut tip diameter | Securely collars the thorax without injury |
| Thorax Restraint | Internal positioning | Immobilizes wings and legs to prevent flight |
| Abdominal Exposure | External positioning | Allows drone access to reproductive anatomy |
| Handling | Manual positioning tool | Enables precise presentation to selected drones |
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References
- Francisco Garcia Bulle Bueno, Rosalyn Gloag. Virgin queen behaviour and controlled mating in the stingless bee Tetragonula carbonaria (Meliponini). DOI: 10.1007/s00040-022-00887-z
This article is also based on technical information from HonestBee Knowledge Base .
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