During artificial insemination, where is the sperm injected in the queen bee?

During the process of artificial insemination in queen bees, the correct procedure involves injecting sperm directly into the spermatheca. The spermatheca is a specialized organ located within the queen's reproductive system, designed specifically to store sperm after mating. This storage capability allows the queen to fertilize her eggs over time, often for several years, utilizing the stored sperm to produce a continuous supply of fertilized eggs, which develop into worker bees and drones.

The significance of injecting sperm into the spermatheca lies in the queen's ability to control fertilization in relation to the colony's needs. By controlling the release of sperm from the spermatheca, the queen can determine which eggs will be fertilized (resulting in female bees) and which will remain unfertilized (resulting in male drones). This strategic reproductive mechanism is crucial for maintaining the health and functionality of the bee colony.

The other options, while associated with bee anatomy, do not represent the correct location for sperm injection during artificial insemination. The abdomen and thorax are not involved in the reproductive process in this context, and injecting sperm into the wings, which have no role in reproduction, would not serve any physiological purpose related to fertilization.