Effects of photoperiod and hibernation duration on the lifespan of Bombus terrestris

In this study the effects of photoperiod and hibernation duration on the lifespan of Bombus terrestris queens were examined. Hibernation durations of 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 months were studied, as were photoperiods of 0 h light : 24 h dark (LD 0:24), LD 8:16, LD 16:8 and LD 24:0. The queens that hibernated for 2.5 months and were exposed to 1 week of LD 8:16 had the highest survival rate (89.3%); the lowest survival rate was found in queens that hibernated for 4.0 months and were reared at LD 24:0. Photoperiod and hibernation duration had significant effects on egg predation by founding queens, competition between queens and workers, and emergence of sexual queens. Hibernation durations of 2.5 and 3.0 months and a photoperiod of LD 8:16 resulted in a significantly longer lifespan of B. terrestris.