Integrated respiratory metabolism and hemolymph proteome of caste specific features during honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) development

As a typical eusocial insect, honeybee exhibits a close relationship between social caste and developmental patterns. However, the respiratory metabolism and hemolymph proteomic profiles of the three honeybee castes during development remain unclear. Here, employing respirometry detection approach and high-resolution mass spectrometry, we for the first time build up the comprehensive dataset of respiratory metabolic rates, physical body weights and hemolymph proteome profiles of worker bees, drones, and queens at different developmental stages, including the larval, pupal, and adult stages. Furthermore, a total of 2,198 proteins were identified, including 1,508 in worker bees, 1,466 in drones, and 1,146 in queens. The integrated data provides a crucial foundation for in-depth analysis of the biological characteristics of honeybees and offers critical support for subsequent research.