Enzymes present in the thoracic gland extracts from workers and males of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera : Apidae)

This research deals with the analysis of the enzymes present in thoracic gl and extracts from newly emerged, nurse workers, forager workers, newly emer ged males, and mature males of A. mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apoidea, Apida e). The enzymes found in larger quantities in the thoracic gland occurred i n all classes of workers and are digestive. Acid phosphatase and Naphtol-AS -BI-phosphohydrolase act in protein synthesis, leucine arylamidase hydrolys es proteins and a-glucosidase actuate in the nectar processing into honey. Naphtol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase was found in larger quantities only in worke rs, this suggests action in protein synthesis by the thoracic gland. b- gal actosidase is in larger amounts in the newly emerged bees (workers and male s) this aids in the provision of other substances to be used as an energy s ource when glucose or sucrose are absent. Differences between enzymatic pro files from workers and males are usually related to their colony tasks, or related to their physiological necessities per individual in specific life stages.