An integrated system for field studies on honey bees

Abstract

Semi-field and field studies on honey bees using colonies are necessary to obtain more biologically relevant data, but are often hampered by logistic constraints. The use of small colonies in miniature hives is regarded as an acceptable approach to such studies, but the equipment designed for commercial and hobby beekeepers may not be appropriate or effective for research purposes. Here, we propose a novel integrated system of research equipment in which each item is designed and built in a coordinated fashion to improve speed, ease, reliability, and accuracy. The system is built around the Study Frame and includes a converter hive, photographic equipment, and combined floor, stand, varroa tray, dead bee trap, and pollen trap, thereby allowing for a wide range of scientific purposes.