Abstract
Defensive behavior was investigated in a naturally occurring population of Apis mellifera scutellata (Lepeletier) colonies in the Okavango River Delta, Botswana. In general, colonies exhibited low levels of stinging activity during nest dissection. However, positive associations were observed between defensiveness and increasing colony size (inferred from total comb area) and swarming activity. The lower stinging activity of the smaller colonies and the increased defensiveness of the larger and swarming colonies may have reflected relative levels of investment in colony growth and reproductive potential. Seasonal patterns of colony defensiveness were not associated with fluctuations in resource abundance, although some changes in forage availability may have influenced aggressive behavior. Colony defensiveness was not associated with nest entrance location and orientation; the proportions of comb area devoted to brood rearing, food storage, or the area that was empty, or any of three weather parameters measured.
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