Behavioral observations
To estimate the activity level of bees as a possible predictor of water
loss, we performed behavioral scan samples of each individual every 20
minutes throughout the 3-hour assay. We recorded behaviors according to
a standard ethogram and observed three unique behaviors during the
assays: 1) idle, 2) walking/climbing, and 3) self-grooming. No social
behaviors, including agonistic interactions, were observed. We estimated
the proportion of active time as the number of scan samples where an
active behavior (walking/climbing) was recorded divided by the total
number of scan samples. Following assays, bees were rehydrated and
returned to their nest site, excluding those sacrificed to estimate dry
mass.