How to translate text using browser tools
1 June 2005 Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Nest Site Characteristics of Feral Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in a Coastal Prairie Landscape
Kristen A. Baum, William L. Rubink, M. Alice Pinto, Robert N. Coulson
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

We evaluated the distribution and abundance of feral honey bee, Apis mellifera L., colonies in a coastal prairie landscape by examining nest site characteristics, population trends, and spatial and temporal patterns in cavity use. The colony densities of up to 12.5 colonies per km2 were the highest reported in the literature for an area including both suitable and unsuitable patches of nesting habitat. The measured cavity attributes were similar to those reported from other areas. The time occupied and turnover indices provided useful information about cavity quality, although none of the measured cavity attributes were correlated with these indices. Unmeasurable cavity characteristics, such as cavity volume, may provide a better estimate of cavity quality. Spatial patterns existed in cavity use by the feral colonies, with the colonies showing an aggregated pattern of distribution throughout the study. Colony aggregations probably resulted from the distribution of resources, especially cavities. Two years after the arrival of Africanized honey bees, cavities used by Africanized and European colonies were aggregated in distribution. During what seemed to be a transition period, both Africanized and European colonies were randomly distributed. After that time, European colonies remained randomly distributed, whereas Africanized colonies were aggregated. Therefore, the invasion of Africanized honey bees seemed to fragment the existing European population, corresponding to a decrease in the overall number of European colonies in the study area.

Kristen A. Baum, William L. Rubink, M. Alice Pinto, and Robert N. Coulson "Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Nest Site Characteristics of Feral Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies in a Coastal Prairie Landscape," Environmental Entomology 34(3), 610-618, (1 June 2005). https://doi.org/10.1603/0046-225X-34.3.610
Received: 25 November 2004; Accepted: 1 February 2005; Published: 1 June 2005
JOURNAL ARTICLE
9 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
cavity
feral colonies
honey bee
nest site
spatial distribution
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top