Abstract
The spatial distribution of worker honeybees in colonies of two African subspecies (Apis mellifera capensis and Apis mellifera scutellata), as well as their natural hybrids, was determined in five observation colonies, each containing one frame. The queens were allowed to roam freely throughout the hive during the initial phase of the experiment, and were observed on both sides of the frame in all colonies. In the second phase of the experiment the queen was caged on one side of the frame in three of the observation colonies, the other two colonies serving as controls. Queen caging significantly affected the distribution of worker bees, with more A. m. scutellata workers being attracted to the queen and more A. m. capensis worker bees being repelled by the presence of the queen. The hybrid workers were also repelled, but to a lesser extent. Queens thus not only attract workers to form a retinue or during swarming but also repel workers in the nest. Evasion of the reproductive suppression by the queen pheromones may be a typical behavior for workers with a high reproductive potential.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
