The behaviour of drifted Cape honeybee workers (Apis mellifera capensis): predisposition for social parasitism?

Abstract

Cape honeybee workers are facultative social parasites and drifting is one mode of transmission to new host colonies. The behavioural patterns and spatial distributions of drifted Cape honeybee workers differed from those of non-drifted workers of the same age cohort. Drifted workers were significantly more idle and were more often found in areas away from the queen compared to non-drifted workers. Our data suggest that drifted Cape honeybee workers may be predisposed for social parasitism in host colonies. Apis mellifera capensis / drifting / honeybee / social parasitism / worker reproduction