92 



PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HONEY-BEE. 



Experience lias proved that impregnation may be effected 

 not only when there are no drones in the colony of the young 

 queen, but even when there are none in her immediate neigh- 

 borhood. Intercourse takes place very high in the air (per- 

 haps that less risk may be incurred from birds), and this 

 favors the crossing of stocks. 



197. Comparative Table op the Normal Duration of 

 THE Bee's Transformations from Eggs to Winged Insects. 



Queen. Worker. Drone. 



Eggs days 



Growth of larva 



Spinning of cocoon 



Period of rest. 



Metamorphosis into pupa 



Duration of this stage 



6 



1 



2 



1 

 31/2 



3 



6.1/3 



11/2 



3 



1 



9 



A.V. time from egg to winged insect ... 16 



21 



24 



