Genetic Control of Size in Queen Honey Bees1

Abstract

Four inbred lines of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) were analyzed for weight differences. Two lines were compared with their F1 hybrids. A highly significant difference was shown between the inbred lines and between the inbred lines and their F1 hybrids; this indicates heterosis for body weight in the lines used. A proportional relationship of body weight to number of ovarian tubules is shown; the correlation between these variables is highly significant.