Changes of rectal pad’s parameters, as a manifestation of adaptive mechanisms in the life cycle of the bee family Apis mellifera L

This article describes changes in rectal pads proportions and secretary tissue volume during winter-stay and other stages of honeybee’s life cycle. This changes related to physiological load to rectum, for example: to development of catalase during winter-stay. Catalase playing important role in neutralizing toxic metabolic products of rectal microflora, propagating in fecal matter during winter stay. Physiological load to rectum depends of worker-bees feeding intensity and amount of proteins in food. So the than more worker bees do work, the more they need food, and have the more load to rectum, especially during winter stay. The article describes changes in rectal glands of working individuals honeybee aged 4-8 days throughout the life cycle of the bee family. Proved dependence of rectal pad’s parameters from physiological load on bee organism. Proved possibility of rectal pads involvement in water metabolism of honeybee.