Foraging Behaviour of Honeybees on Jatropha integerrima

Abstract

Study conducted on foraging behaviour of Apis mellifera and A. florea on Jatropha integerrima revealed that this ornamental plant provided a good forage to honeybees during various seasons of year, when floral scarcity was prevailing(floral dearth period), A. mellifera and A. florea commenced their foraging activity at about 630 and 715 hours respectively. Both species of honeybees showed peak foraging activity from 800 to 900 hours. Relative abundance was more in case of A. florea as compared to A. mellifera. Most of foragers were pollen gatherers. Number of flowers visited per unit time was significantly more in case of A.mellifera as compared to that of A. florea. Foraging behaviour of honeybees revealed that shrub under experiment was of considerable importance for beekeeping.