Abstract

Foraging behaviour of four honeybee species (Apis mellifera A. cerana, A. dorsata and A, florea) was studied in relation to energy production rates of Prunus persica and a simultaneously blooming weed, Lepidagathus incurva. Energy produced ranged from a minimum of 0.642±0.01 joules (L. /“cwrra)/flower/day to a maximum of 1.49±0.14 joules/day (P. persico). The weed having higher nectar sugar concentration and high flowering density attracted more number of bees as compared to peach. The foraging rates of bees were much higher on the weed and they could harvest more energy per unit time from the weed flowers. Evidently, food acquisition efficiency and quality of food determines the foraging decision of bees.

Full Text
Paper version not known

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.