ABSTRACT
This study determined the influence of foraging distance, environmental factors, and native vegetation on honeybee (Apis mellifera) foraging in arid shrublands and grasslands in Northern Mexico. Apiary distance from inflorescence sites did not have a significant influence on the intensity of foraging. Apiary location and landscape were decisive factors in the response of honeybees to environmental factors. Air temperature, minimum temperature, wind velocity, and relative humidity explained foraging by 87, 80, 68, and 41% (R2), respectively, in shrubland sites in open landscapes but had no significant influence on foraging in the grassland sites in a valley surrounded by hills (1820-2020 amsl). Nights with a minimum temperature of <20 °C increased foraging activity during the day. Minimum temperature, which has the least correlative influence among climate elements, can be used to determine climate change's impact on bees. The quantity of available inflorescence explained the foraging intensity by 78% in shrublands and 84% in grasslands. Moreover, when honeybees depended mainly on native vegetation in grasslands, the quantity of inflorescence explained the intensity of foraging by 95%. High intensity of honeybee foraging was observed in allthorn (Koeberlinia spinosa) and wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) in shrublands and honey mesquite (Neltuma glandulosa) and wait-a-minute bush (Mimosa aculeaticarpa) in grasslands. The findings and baseline data contributed by this study may be used to identify suitable environments for increasing apiary productivity and other agricultural and ecological benefits.
ABSTRACT
t The foraging patterns of bees in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) flowers were investigated in Los Santos, Panama, over a period of 84 observation days. The study aimed to identify the bee species visiting the flowers, their daily visitation rates, and the resources they foraged. The majority of visits were made by native bees, particularly stingless bees, suggesting their crucial role in pollinating watermelon crops in the area. The most frequently observed bee species visiting the flowers were N. perilampoides(58.7%), A. mellifera (23%), and P. peckolti (4%). Nectar was the primary resource foraged by most bees, with comparable visitation rates for both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers. Honeybees allocated nearly half of their visits (47.7%) for pollen collection, and the majority of their daily visits occurred between 7:00 and 8:00 hours. In contrast, stingless bee visits peaked between 8:00 and 9:00 hours. Nectar visits were shorter in duration than pollen visits, with honeybees exhibiting the shortest durations when visiting watermelon flowers. Significant variations were observed in the daily foraging patterns among bee species during the 84-h observation period (Friedman P < 0.05). Additionally, bee characteristics such as size, color, and sociability, along with the time of day, significantly influenced flower visits for resources (GLMM P < 0.05). These findings contribute to the understanding of Central American bee species' behavior, aid in their conservation and management and have implications for enhancing fruit production in local watermelon crops.(AU)