Structure of Fejes Tóth cells in natural honey bee combs

Abstract

We present an analysis of the structure of Fejes Tóth cells in the natural combs of the Chinese bee, Apis cerana cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae), and the Italian bee, Apis mellifera ligustica (Hymenoptera: Apidae). The proportion of Fejes Tóth cells in the natural combs built by bee colonies was determined. Molds of Fejes Tóth cells and three-rhombus cells were used to measure various structural parameters, such as the diameter and depth of Fejes Tóth cells and three-rhombus cells. Both Chinese bees and Italian bees built an average of no more than 18% Fejes Tóth cells on natural combs. The dihedral angle of the two hexagonal planes at the bottom of the Fejes Tóth cells was significantly less than 120°. No significant differences in the diameter and depth of Fejes Tóth cells and three-rhombus cells were observed. The results of this study clarified the structural characteristics of Fejes Tóth cells in natural combs. These data will aid the manufacture of Fejes Tóth wax comb foundations specifically and the growth of the beekeeping industry more generally.