How to translate text using browser tools
1 January 2016 Insect Pollinators and Foraging Behavior of Honey Bees on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Saudi Arabia
EL-Kazafy A. Taha, Mohammed Al-Abdulsalam, Saad Al-Kahtani
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A survey of insect pollinators and the foraging behavior of Carniolan honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica Pollmann) and dwarf honey bees (A. florea F.) on alfalfa flowers was conducted in May of 2013 and 2014. Fifteen insect species belonging to 11 families and 6 orders were recorded as pollinators on alfalfa flowers. The most abundant order was Hymenoptera. In comparison to the Carniolan bees, the dwarf bees were more active on alfalfa flowers. Two peaks of foraging activity for the two species were recorded; the first one was at 0800–0900 hrs, while the second and the highest peak was at 1700–1800 hrs. Carniolan bees were more active in gathering pollen at 0800–0900 hrs. It is concluded that Carniolan and dwarf honey bees were found to be the most abundant pollinators on alfalfa flowers in Saudi Arabia. The present study recommends that, to protect insect pollinators, it is advisable to apply pesticides, if needed, during the flowering period of alfalfa when the bees are not active in the fields, so as to maintain the pollinator population and protect the alfalfa crop.

© 2016 Kansas Entomological Society
EL-Kazafy A. Taha, Mohammed Al-Abdulsalam, and Saad Al-Kahtani "Insect Pollinators and Foraging Behavior of Honey Bees on Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Saudi Arabia," Journal of the Kansas Entomological Society 89(1), 92-99, (1 January 2016). https://doi.org/10.2317/150402.1
Received: 2 April 2015; Accepted: 1 February 2016; Published: 1 January 2016
KEYWORDS
alfalfa
Carniolan bees
dwarf bees
pollinators
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top