Illustration of a honeybee foraging on a 'Assa-peixe' flower.

Unlocking Nature's Secrets: How Bees Navigate Winter and Why It Matters for Our World

Theo Raines in Science & Nature September 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals the fascinating ways bees adapt to changing environments, offering insights into sustainable beekeeping and the health of our ecosystems."

Bees, the unsung heroes of our food chain, are facing unprecedented challenges. From habitat loss to climate change, these vital pollinators are struggling to survive. But a recent study sheds light on their resilience, revealing the remarkable ways bees adapt to their environment, particularly during the harsh winter months.

This groundbreaking research focuses on Apis mellifera, the common honeybee, and its foraging activities on Vernonia polyanthes, a plant known as 'Assa-peixe.' The study delves into how environmental factors like temperature and humidity influence bees' ability to forage, offering valuable insights for beekeepers and anyone interested in the future of our ecosystems.

This article will explore the core findings of this study, providing a clear understanding of how bees cope with winter, why their behavior is crucial for our food supply, and what we can do to support these essential creatures.

Decoding Bee Behavior: What the Scientists Discovered

Illustration of a honeybee foraging on a 'Assa-peixe' flower.

The research, conducted in a rural area of Valença, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, observed honeybees' foraging patterns on 'Assa-peixe' during the winter. The study aimed to determine the optimal foraging times for bees and how environmental conditions affect their activity. The researchers meticulously recorded the bees' activity levels, along with temperature, humidity, and wind speed, over two years.

The scientists discovered that honeybees primarily foraged between 9 AM and 4 PM, with peak activity occurring between 11 AM and 3 PM. Interestingly, the bees' foraging behavior was strongly linked to temperature and humidity. The warmer it was, and the less humid the air, the more actively the bees foraged. The study found that temperature and humidity changes were responsible for nearly 47% of the bee's foraging activity. Furthermore, the study suggests that ‘Assa-peixe’ is a valuable food source during winter, as bees foraged for nectar and pollen throughout the day.

Temperature's Impact: As the temperature rose, the bees' foraging activity increased.
Humidity's Role: High humidity levels decreased foraging activity.
'Assa-peixe' Importance: This plant provides crucial resources during the winter months.
Optimal Foraging Times: Bees were most active between 11 AM and 3 PM.

These findings provide valuable information for beekeepers, highlighting the importance of understanding environmental factors and their impact on bee behavior. Moreover, the study underscores the critical role of plants like 'Assa-peixe' in supporting bee populations, especially when other food sources are scarce.

The Future of Bees and Our Planet

The research on bee behavior offers a glimmer of hope in a time of environmental uncertainty. By understanding how bees interact with their environment, we can develop better strategies to support these vital pollinators. This knowledge is essential for sustainable beekeeping practices, protecting our food supply, and preserving the health of our ecosystems. As we face the challenges of climate change and habitat loss, the resilience of bees and our ability to understand and protect them will be crucial for the future of our planet.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What specific challenges do bees face that make understanding their winter behavior so important?

Bees are experiencing habitat loss and climate change which threaten their populations. This study of Apis mellifera foraging on Vernonia polyanthes ('Assa-peixe') during winter reveals how they adapt. Understanding these adaptations is crucial for developing sustainable beekeeping, ensuring crop pollination, and maintaining overall ecosystem health in the face of these challenges. Missing the opprotunity to study them means we won't be able to save them.

How does temperature specifically affect the foraging activity of Apis mellifera during the winter months?

The research showed a direct correlation between temperature and foraging activity in Apis mellifera. As the temperature rose, the bees' foraging activity on Vernonia polyanthes increased. The study indicated that temperature, along with humidity, accounted for nearly 47% of the variation in bee foraging activity. This highlights the importance of temperature as an environmental factor influencing bee behavior. A missing variable would be the availability of water to help maintain the hive and create honey during the warm weather periods.

What role does humidity play in the foraging patterns of Apis mellifera, and how might beekeepers use this information?

High humidity levels were found to decrease the foraging activity of Apis mellifera on Vernonia polyanthes. Beekeepers can use this information to anticipate when bees are less likely to forage. It is useful to know when to provide supplemental food or adjust hive conditions to support the bees during periods of high humidity. Further, it's important to consider the combination of humidity and temperature, as their interplay significantly affects bee behavior. The negative effects of high humidity might be countered during an increase in sunlight.

Beyond honey production, why is understanding the foraging behavior of bees, like Apis mellifera on Vernonia polyanthes, important for the broader environment?

Understanding the foraging behavior of bees is critical because it directly impacts crop pollination and the overall health of ecosystems. Bees, including Apis mellifera, are essential pollinators. This is especially true during times when other insects are less active. The study’s focus on Vernonia polyanthes as a crucial winter food source shows how specific plants support bee populations. Without understanding these relationships, efforts to conserve bee populations and the ecosystems they support would be less effective. The availability of diverse pollen sources in the surrounding habitats were not considered and can have an impact.

The study identified optimal foraging times for Apis mellifera on Vernonia polyanthes. How can beekeepers utilize this information to improve their beekeeping practices and support bee health?

The research indicated that Apis mellifera primarily foraged between 9 AM and 4 PM, with peak activity between 11 AM and 3 PM. Beekeepers can use this knowledge to schedule hive inspections or supplemental feeding during times when the bees are naturally less active. By understanding when bees are most likely to be out foraging on Vernonia polyanthes, beekeepers can minimize disruptions to the colony and optimize management practices to support bee health and productivity. They can also help local farmers adjust field work to help protect the bees. However, bees will be less active on cloudy days and might have other local food sources that change these optimal foraging times.