Foraging in honeybees Apis cerana indica F. and A. dorsata F. (Hymenoptera: Apidae)- activity and weather conditions

Abstract

Flight activity of honeybees, Apis arona indlca F. and A. dotsala F. was studied on peach flowers (Prnnus persica Batsch) in relation to some weather factors. Initiation of flight was a function of dual threshold of temperature and light intensity and cessation was controlled by reduction In light intensity for both bee species. Foraging populations correlated significantly and positively with ambient temperature, light, solar energy, nectar-sugar concentration and negatively with relative humidity. Only one factor. namely, light intensity directly influenced the flight activity of A. c. indica while the flight activity of A. dorsala was influenced by both temperature and light intensity.