MICROSCOPY of APIS mellifera, the Honey Bee

Robert Svidron
Metallurgist ~ Retired

Friday, January 23, 2004

Mr. Svidron's presentation will detail the life of the honey bee from day one until its useful life is over. In addition, the misattribution of some wasps and their nests to honey bees will be addressed. Images of plants and insects associated with bees, bee anatomy, and other issues form but a part of this lecture.

Bio Sketch
Mr. Svidron is a retired metallurgist from Navistar (formerly International Harvester). He attended Triton College, College of DuPage, Milwaukee School of Engineering and Illinois Institute of Technology.

About 13 years ago he began raising bees as a hobby to have something to occupy his time after retiring.

Minutes of Jan 23, 2004: Microscopy of Apis mellifera, the honey bee
Bill Mikuska announced that SMSI will be sponsor a course on Polarized Microscopy for High School Teachers for six Saturdays at Argonne beginning Feb 7, 2004.

John Appel brought several books to show: Michener, Charles Duncan, The Bees of the World, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2000 ($175); and Snodgrass, Robert Evans, The Anatomy of the Honey Bee, Washington: GPO, 1910.

Bob Svidron presented a fascinating show of slides on the micro anatomy of the bee as well as pictures of honey bee relatives and enemies. He noted that if stung, remove the stinger as soon as possible. The muscle attached to it continues to pump poison even after it leaves the bee's body. Another precaution is to remove finger rings if stung. Swelling might cut off blood to the finger which has the ring. He mentioned that bee stings are used to treat MS.

Respectfully submitted, Stan Schmidt, Recording Secretary