Aristotle's Historia Animalium and Apis reproduction

Abstract

The details of observations and accounts recorded in Aristotle’s Historia Animalium have been cataloged by scholars for decades. The degree to which his interpretations and accounts are accurate and demonstrate an actual understanding of honey bee biology have been debated. Throughout these discussions, however, it appears that one observation dutifully recorded has escaped notice. Aristotle made note of the direct product of the haplodiploid sex determination system, attesting to the power of his accounts, although he made no attempt to interpret it.