Net reproductive rate of unmanaged honeybee colonies, (Apis mellifera L.)

• Published in: Insectes sociaux Vol. 39; no. 2; pp. 157 - 165
• Main Authors: Otis, G. W., Wearing-Wilde, J. M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-1992
• Subjects: Apidae; Apis mellifera; Hymenoptera; USA, Kansas
• ISSN: 0020-1812; 1420-9098
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01249291

The net reproductive rate of unmanaged honeybee colonies has never been fully determined for honey bees in temperate climates. In this study, five overwintered colonies in Kansas, USA, were allowed to swarm naturally (Winston, 1980). These colonies and their swarms were studied over the winter (i.e. one generation). The net reproductive rate R sub(0) was estimated to be 2.18. Afterswarms were found to contribute substantially (41.2%) to this net reproductive rate. The autumn and spring food reserves and brood areas of established colonies and colonies established from prime swarms and afterswarms are compared. Winter survival of afterswarms was related to autumn honey stores, and the brood areas of surviving afterswarms were smaller than those of prime swarms or established colonies.