What makes honeybees so important for the environment and agriculture?

Honeybees, scientifically known as Apis mellifera, play a pivotal role in the ecosystem as key pollinators. They transfer pollen between flowering plants, which is essential for the plants' reproduction and, consequently, for maintaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural productivity. Their capacity to communicate food source locations effectively contributes to their dominance in pollination.

How do things like temperature and humidity affect honeybees when they are out looking for food?

Abiotic factors, such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, significantly affect honeybee foraging. Temperature influences when bees start foraging, with activity increasing as temperatures rise above 16°C. High relative humidity, especially above 81%, tends to reduce foraging activity, and increased wind speed also decreases the honeybees' foraging behavior.

What is Vernonia polyanthes, and why is it so helpful to honeybees?

Vernonia polyanthes, or 'Assa-peixe,' is a vital floral resource for honeybees, particularly during the colder months when many other plants are not flowering. It provides a crucial food source that helps sustain bee colonies through periods of scarcity. Supporting the growth and availability of this plant can greatly benefit beekeepers in maintaining healthy and productive bee populations.

Why are Africanized honeybees particularly affected by changes in the weather?

Africanized honeybees are a hybrid species known for their sensitivity to environmental changes. These bees adjust their foraging behavior based on climate variables, which directly affect how much energy they expend. This sensitivity means that variations in temperature and humidity can significantly influence their colony's overall productivity and their ability to gather food.

What can beekeepers do to help honeybees based on what we know about their foraging habits?

Beekeepers can leverage the knowledge of how abiotic factors and floral resources influence honeybee foraging to optimize their beekeeping practices. Creating environments that manage temperature and humidity, alongside ensuring access to plants like Vernonia polyanthes, can substantially boost honey production and support the health of Africanized honeybee colonies. Understanding these conditions is crucial for sustainable beekeeping and conservation.

Honeybees foraging on Vernonia polyanthes flowers, symbolizing the impact of temperature and humidity.

Bee-havior: How Weather Impacts Honeybee Foraging

Kai Mendoza in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the sweet science of honeybee foraging and how temperature and humidity play a crucial role in their daily routines."

Honeybees are essential pollinators, crucial for maintaining plant communities and agricultural productivity. Their ability to communicate the location of food sources within the hive ensures efficient foraging, making them dominant players in the pollination landscape. Understanding the factors that influence their foraging behavior is vital for effective beekeeping and conservation efforts.

Africanized honeybees, a hybrid of the African honeybee and various European honeybees, are particularly sensitive to environmental changes. Climate variables directly impact their colony's productivity by affecting the energy they expend on foraging. Moreover, abiotic factors influence the availability of floral resources, creating a dynamic interplay between bees and their environment.

During winter, when many plant species become senescent, bees rely on specific flowering plants to sustain their colonies. One such plant is Vernonia polyanthes, also known as 'Assa-peixe,' a shrubby species that blooms during the colder months. This study examines how abiotic factors influence the foraging activity of Africanized honeybees on Vernonia polyanthes inflorescences, providing valuable insights for beekeepers looking to enhance honey production.

Decoding the Honeybee Schedule: When Do Bees Like to Forage?

Honeybees foraging on Vernonia polyanthes flowers, symbolizing the impact of temperature and humidity.

The research, conducted in Valença, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, monitored the foraging activity of Apis mellifera on Vernonia polyanthes during its flowering season. The study found that honeybees typically visited the flowers between 9 am and 4 pm, with peak activity occurring between 11 am and 3 pm. This schedule indicates a preference for foraging during the warmest parts of the day.

Multiple environmental factors are at play, directly impacting honeybee activity. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant elements identified in the study:

Relative Humidity: A high relative humidity resulted in reduced honeybee activity. When humidity levels exceeded 81%, foraging activity was minimal, suggesting that increased moisture hinders their flight and increases energy expenditure.
Temperature: Rising temperature directly encouraged increased bee activity. Foraging typically began when temperatures hit 16°C.
Wind Speed: Wind speed recorded during the foraging activity period had a negative correlated influence.

The correlation between these abiotic variables and honeybee foraging highlights the complex interactions between bees and their environment. Increased temperature and decreased humidity created optimal conditions for foraging, accounting for nearly 47% of the bees' activity. These findings align with other studies that show similar patterns in honeybee behavior.

Maximizing Bee Productivity: Practical Implications for Beekeepers

This research underscores the importance of Vernonia polyanthes as a crucial food source for honeybees during the winter months. Its ability to provide resources when other plants are scarce makes it an invaluable asset for beekeepers, especially in areas with grasslands or abandoned crops. By understanding the influence of abiotic factors on foraging behavior, beekeepers can optimize their management practices to enhance honey production and support bee populations. Creating environments that balance temperature and humidity while ensuring access to key floral resources can significantly boost the productivity and health of Africanized honeybee colonies.