The Peculiarities of Oogenesis in Honeybees (Apis mellifera)

Understanding the features of oogenesis in honey bees has both theoretical and practical significance, which is associated with the influence of sociality on oogenesis in queen bees and worker bees. The intensity of oogenesis plays an important role in the survival and economic value of bee colonies. Under conditions of reproductive conflict caused by the presence of developed ovaries in both queen bees and some worker bees, bee colonies develop and reproduce. Most reproductive characteristics of bees, including the intensity of oogenesis, depend on many factors, are characterized by low heritability and are limited by sex. Molecular studies have revealed a correlation between the regulation of oogenesis and the expression of ecdysone pathway genes. Due to the complex regulation of oogenesis, bee colonies are able to quickly adapt, changing the amount of brood depending on external and internal factors, which significantly increases their survival in unfavorable natural and climatic conditions.