Foraging duration and intensity of Apis mellifera L.

An experiment was conducted in the apiary of Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari during 2019. For study, six strong Apis mellifera L. colonies of similar strength were used. A positive and significant correlation of temperature (maximum and minimum) and relative humidity (minimum) with the foraging duration was found. During the cooler months both foraging duration and foraging intensity was minimum and increased later on. Foraging activity was highly affected by rainfall. The mean foraging duration of foragers throughout the year was 11.85± 1.79 hrs/ day. The 25^th standard week was recorded with maximum foraging duration, viz. 14.22 hrs. Foraging intensity was low during initial hours but increased in later hours. Foraging intensity was very less in initial weeks and very high in 10^th to 25^th standard weeks at all the three intervals.