Foraging Behavior of Apis mellifera in Southwestern Ohio during the late summer months

Abstract

Knowledge of timing, foraging behavior, and diurnal activity patterns are important in developing an understanding to establish sustainable honeybee colonies in small-scale farms. This study was conducted to understand the foraging behavior of Apis mellifera in Yellow Springs, Ohio (August- September 2014; N = 12,327). We found more number of foragers brought nectar than the pollen (x̅= 20.1 ± 8.3 vs x̅ = 7.3 ± 4.5 bees per min; P < 0.01). Results suggest that the foraging rate was highest between 1240 to 1500 h (x̅ = 18.77 ± 3.95 per min., P <